Youth Justice Service - Restorative Practice

Those that have been harmed often want to understand why the crime happened to them and re-write the narrative. They also want to play some part in the process of what happens to the person who committed the crime. Restorative Justice gives them the opportunity to tell the person that has committed the crime their thoughts and feelings about what happened. They can ask any questions they have and agree what the harmer could do to make things better.

Being involved in a restorative process can give you an opportunity to:

• Have your say.
• Explain to the person who harmed you, what the real impact and consequences of their behaviour has been on your life.
• Get answers to questions.
• Feel safe and have the opportunity to move forward positively with your life.
• Help to prevent the same thing happening to somebody else.

The harmer has the opportunity to listen to the person they have harmed and can answer any questions that person might have. They might apologise for what they have done, and can agree with the person they have harmed, how they can personally make things better for them.

What have people said about our service?

“The support has been wonderful, very informative and helpful – Thank you.”

“X explained the process, fed back and listened to me. I received a letter of apology which was an appropriate response to what happened. The whole process was useful, closed it off for us and shows us that there is support for the offender.”

“X was a good listener. I never felt pressured. She helped me to come to terms of what had happened. She went above and beyond, put me in touch with counsellors. There wasn’t anything extra she could have done. The consistency was lovely, despite what happened and waiting around to find out what was happening with the kid I knew X would keep me informed. I couldn’t fault her, I really couldn’t fault her. I felt sad when her support ended. I am on track now not scared anymore. I know where to go to for help.”

“I have received support beyond anything I could have hoped for including emotional support liaising with the officers in the cases on my behalf and help with what steps to take with paperwork I wanted support to fill in. The Birmingham youth justice service has been invaluable support for me and my family through this distressing time.”

What happens when you provide feedback?

Your views are important as it helps the service to think about what they do well, how they can improve and understand the impact of their support. Birmingham Youth Justice Service are committed to ensuring that the Service they offer to people affected by youth crime is of the highest standard and meets the needs of those involved.

If you would like to provide feedback, you can contact the Restorative Practice team through the YJS general inbox at: BirminghamYJS@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk. The email is monitored Monday to Thursday between 8.45am to 5.15pm, and Friday between 8.45am to 4.15pm.