On Wednesday 1st July, some 45 Restorative Justice organisations submitted a letter to Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons and Probation, outlining the sector’s concerns around newly-issued guidelines, which now exclude many prisoners from participation.
Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
These new guidelines, however, which are already being implemented, have a “presumption of unsuitability” for sexual and violent crimes, apart from where there are “special circumstances”.
Described as a ‘significant setback’ for the Restorative Justice movement, victims as well as perpetrators will be prevented from taking part in Restorative Justice programmes, which supporters say help bring understanding and often closure to victims following a traumatic incident.
Organisations stressed that national frameworks should focus on enabling access, supporting safe practice and strengthening multi‑agency collaboration, rather than creating additional barriers. A more inclusive, sector‑wide approach was seen as essential to ensuring that any national guidance enhances, rather than restricts, the delivery of Restorative Justice.
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