Hub launches pave way for restorative justice rollout
Two hubs have been launched to pave the way for restorative justice services to be rolled out across Scotland.
Restorative justice is a voluntary, supported process of contact between someone who has been harmed and the person who caused that harm, aimed at supporting the needs of the person harmed, who sets the pace and can stop the process at any time.
The new National Hub within Community Justice Scotland will have a strategic, oversight role. It will also manage delivery of an initial test project in the Edinburgh, Lothian & Borders area establishing best working practices, before services are developed in other regions.
In addition a Thriving Survivors hub is being set up to offer a safe, trauma informed service to support cases involving sexual harm.
The hub and spoke model will allow nationally high standards of service to be maintained, while also offering restorative justice that meets local needs and circumstances.
For the process, to which both parties involved must consent, the person who has done the harm has to acknowledge the harm, and take responsibility for restorative justice to proceed. It involves many steps including suitability risk assessment and emotional preparatory work before the contact, as well as after-care support. It can be halted by any participant or by the practitioner at any time. Contact can take many forms, including face-to-face meetings and facilitated letter writing.
The Scottish Government has so far invested more than £725,000 in the rollout of restorative justice services.
Welcoming the launches, Justice Secretary Keith Brown commented: "Providing a national restorative justice service is consistent with our clear commitment to putting victims at the heart of the justice system.
"It is absolutely vital that victims are given a voice via person-centred services where their needs and values are respected and supported as part of their journey towards healing and recovery.
"It is crucial the service provided is safe, consistent, and of a high standard nationally and fundamentally it is vital to remember this is voluntary and must have the needs of the person who has been harmed central to the process."
He added: "It is not a substitute or alternative to the criminal justice system but a means of putting victims first in a way that I am sure will be of benefit to a number of people for very many years to come."
Gemma Fraser, head of restorative justice at Community Justice Scotland said: "It is important that people who experience harm caused by crime are empowered with the ability to voice the deeply personal impact of that, and given a choice in how they may wish to experience meaningful justice in Scotland. Funding restorative justice is essential to ensure safe and secure approaches to this, to prevent further harm, and enable recovery with supported access to services which address additional needs."