1. Autumn 2010
Resolution 37
News from the Restorative Justice Consortium
Spotlight on Hull:
Becoming the
World’s First
Restorative City
The Independent
Commission on
Youth Crime
Report
Who Owns
Restorative
Justice?
Company number: 4199237
Charity number: 1097969 www.restorativejustice.org.uk
3. 03
News In Brief
Update from RJC’s Home Secretary hints at a Justice Minister Offering RJ to victims of
Standards and restorative future beyond describes historic serious crime would
Accreditation Board the ASBO opportunity for RJ prevent £185 million of
The RJC Standards and In a speech entitled “Moving
Crispin Blunt, Minister for crime
Accreditation Board (SAB) beyond the ASBO” Teresa
Prisons and Probation, The Restorative Justice
represent the interests of the May, the Home Secretary,
addressing the AGM of the Consortium and Victim
entire field in their work to said that police should have
All-Party Parliamentary Support have presented the
develop quality standards in new powers which are Penal Affairs Group said: case for Restorative Justice
restorative practice. They “rehabilitating and “We have a historic to Justice Minister Crispin
are currently working to restorative, rather than
opportunity to look at how Blunt. RJC and Victim
review the RJC Trainers’ criminalising and coercive.”
Restorative Justice can be Support highlighted how
Code of Conduct, and to introduced into the criminal
The speech follows a report Restorative Justice empowers
develop RJC policy on by the Independent justice system. I met with victims by putting them at the
quality marks for registered representatives from the
Commission on Youth Crime heart of society's response to
practitioners, awards, Restorative Justice
and Anti Social Behaviour crime.
training providers, and Consortium, and I have
(see page 14) calling for The briefing demonstrated
services. The views of the Restorative Justice toasked them to work with my how, based on the
SAB are also being fed into officials, to put forward
replace ASBOs in community Government’s own research
the ongoing review of the policing. proposals on how findings, making Restorative
Best Practice Guidance. Restorative Justice Justice available in cases of
Teresa May’s full speech can measures could be used
Full details of membership be read at burglary, robbery and violent
across every phase of the offences would lead to
of the SAB and the Advisory www.homeoffice.gov.uk criminal justice process:
Group are available on reductions in re-offending of
from pre-trial right through 27%. This would mean 27%
www.restorativejustice.org.uk to interventions in prisons to less crime and 27% fewer
prepare offenders for release.” victims.
If Restorative Justice was
offered to 75,000 victims of
Former Met Chief backs RJ adult offenders, assuming just
with serious offences a 40% take up rate, the
Former Metropolitan Police reductions in re-offending
Commissioner Sir Ian Blair would lead to £185 million
writing in the Observer (5th cashable savings to criminal
Sept. 2010) said “we should justice over two years.
no longer be talking about This was reported on the
pilots of Restorative Justice. front page of the Observer
Belinda Hopkins, Debra Clothier, Les Davey, Ken Webster, Annette Hinton, (25th July 2010). The
We know that it reduces
Claudine Rane, Val Marshall and Chris Stevens of the RJC’s Standards and
Accreditation Board (pictured left to right). reoffending and that it is relevant page of the
particularly effective with RJC/Victim Support briefing
Victims Commissioner Grazia feature on RJ violent offences”. to Crispin Blunt is shown
supports Restorative Katy Hutchinson tells below.
Justice womens’ magazine Grazia
“I give it [RJ] my 110 per (30th August) how she came
cent support where victims to forgive the man who
are central to the process. kicked her husband to death.
However there is this thing Katy met Ryan twice during
the Restorative Justice his three year prison
process, in some of those sentence, after initially
situations the victim is not sending him a video message.
present nor even asked . I She also spoke in support of
am not happy at all about his release at this parole
these, but where the hearing. Katy says she thinks
integrity is intact, it gets my “plans being considered in
vote.” Louise Casey’s the UK are a very good idea”
response to RJC question at (see top right). Katy’s story
RSA event on 20th July has been made into a film
2010. Bond of Silence.
4. 04
Becoming the World’s First
Restorative City - Nigel Richardson
In Hull we are working towards framework requires us to work with The adults working with children,
becoming the world’s first children, families and the young people and families are
restorative city. We know this is a community and provides the `glue’ committed to adopting
bold ambition and the challenges in that binds together agencies in a behaviours that build restorative
achieving this aim are significant; common approach and language. and constructive relationships to
but we believe this is the best and help achieve better outcomes.
most effective way for us to work Restorative practices have been This requires us to be explicit
together with children, families and developing in Hull for a number of and accountable about the way
communities. We have a growing years and much has been achieved. we do business and the basis of
track record in delivering The City Council has committed our organisational and
restorative practices and while itself to creating the `Family professional practice, which in
there is still much to do, we have a friendly city where no child is left Hull is based on restorative
strong direction of travel for the behind’. To that end, services use an practices.
future. outcome framework for children,
where children in Hull can expect I hope that the series of articles
Hull is home to 57,000 children and to; in this issue of Resolution, gives
young people growing up in a you some insight into what we
multicultural, densely populated and • Be Safe are striving to achieve. Hull has a
fast - changing urban area. The city • Be Healthy long and proud history as a
has high levels of unemployment, • Enjoy themselves major British seafaring port and
crime, poverty and need. • Achieve because of that is known as the
Consequently, statutory, voluntary • Make a Positive Contribution Pioneering City. We trust that the
and private organisations in the city • Achieve Economic Well being work we are leading here is in
have committed themselves to doing keeping with those traditions,
something different to improve the The central question we ask staff to and we believe that one day, by
lives of children and young people consider is, `What is it like to be a working with children families
here. We are using restorative child or young person growing up in and communities, we can become
practices as a shared way of Hull and how do we make it better a fully restorative city.
working to ensure everyone has the with them?’ This will require us to
same ethos, delivering services in an be good at listening to children and Nigel Richardson - Assistant
open, respectful and mutually young people and at involving them Chief Executive and Director of
accountable way, set within a effectively in key decisions that Children and Young People’s
restorative framework. This affect their lives. Service, Hull City Council
The Humber Bridge near Kingston upon Hull Neutralle
5. 05
How do people experience using
restorative practice at work?
The Goodwin Development Trust and the Hull Family Group decisions which impact on their
is a registered charity situated in Conferencing Service. lives. In the community worker
the heart of Kingston-upon-Hull group, employee conflicts are
(www.goodwintrust.org). Early findings of the research solved using circles and work
look positive for restorative based problems are discussed in
Created over fifteen years ago by approaches. For example, a way that provides the whole
the residents of the city’s because of their previous team with an opportunity to
Thornton Estate with the vocational training many of the offer solutions to problems.
intention of improving local
living conditions, the Trust now
manages a diverse range of
projects. “restorative circles give a voice and
Goodwin became interested in create a greater depth of
restorative practice nearly five
years ago and has trained all of
understanding”
its 300 employees in restorative
approaches. More recently the
Trust formed a relationship with volunteers feel they already used Of course, not all the findings
the Hull Centre for Restorative some aspects of restorative are positive and a recurring
Practices and the University of practice with their client groups, experience is that many
Hull’s law department. so the training in restorative participants in our research feel
practice reinforced existing good the pressure of time constraints
practice. At the same time, the affect their use of restorative
‘Work meetings are use of circles and conferences is techniques. Nevertheless, new
having a major impact on the ways of using restorative
more enjoyable’ way the participants interact
with each other as colleagues. A
approaches
evolving,
are
and
constantly
new
prominent experience amongst implementation strategies being
In May 2009 we secured two the participants is an developed, and existing ones
years funding from the National improvement in communication. shared, which should in the
Lottery to undertake research Work based meetings are now future alleviate this experience.
into people’s experience of using more enjoyable, people learn
restorative practice in their more about their colleagues and
working environment. Two full- work problems are now solved by
time researchers were appointed the whole team, so that
by the Trust to conduct the individuals are not left to suffer
research project using pressure of meeting targets
qualitative methods, such as without support.
interviews and focus groups, in
order to understand and Participants state that
interpret how people experience restorative circles give them a
the implementation and use of voice and create a greater depth
restorative practice in the of understanding within their
workplace. teams. For example, in the
children’s homes, employees have
Although the Trust manages ‘check-in’ and ‘check-out’ circles
three Children’s Centres where every shift where they discuss
the staff have used restorative what happened on the shift and
methods for over four years, the how they feel the shift went. Dr Craig Lambert is the Senior
research was designed at the Crucially, this allows staff to Researcher at the Goodwin
outset to involve a wider sample know which colleagues and Development Trust.
of case studies. Volunteers were children may require extra Clambert@goodwin-centre.org
recruited from a group of support. Importantly, for the first
community workers, two local time, the children living in the Miss Rebecca Shipley is
children’s homes, two local homes also participate in these Research Officer for the
schools, Humberside’s circles, so they too have a voice Goodwin Development Trust
Neighbourhood Policing Team in meetings that may result in Bshipley@goodwin-centre.org
6. 06
Restorative Practice and Policing in Hull
CASE STUDY
Calming tensions following an ‘idle’ death threat
A neighbour dispute had been ongoing for a number of years.
Tensions escalated, which culminated in a fight where a man had
told a woman he was going to kill her. This was said in the heat of
A restorative approach the moment with no intention to carry out what was seen as an
complements many aspects of idle threat. However the woman took the threat seriously and had
police work. The desire to affect believed since that time that her neighbour meant to do her
people’s behaviour through a serious harm. 3 years later the local neighbourhood policing team
shared understanding and become involved due to a number of minor neighbourhood
development of a sense of incidents. RP was initially offered but the female stated she could
responsibility is at the heart of not face her neighbour due to her fear of him. Tensions continued
both the criminal justice system’s to increase to a point where the female was upset and suicidal.
aims, and those of restorative RP was again offered as an option and this time was accepted by
both parties. After some initial difficulties all participants
practices (RP). contributed fully to the conference. The male neighbour was
genuinely shocked that his comments had been so damaging. All
Neighbourhood policing aims to parties agreed to put the dispute behind them and move on with
provide the public with a highly their lives.
visible uniformed presence in
every neighbourhood, able to deal
with local issues and priorities.
Very often these issues involve As well as using restorative skills to allows a proportionate response to
residents who, for various reasons, resolve the conflicts that arise in criminal activity and prevents people
have come into conflict with others neighbourhoods, a restorative receiving a criminal record for minor
in their community. Adopting a approach can be used as a means of first time offences.
restorative approach has provided dealing with a crime as an alternative
our officers with a means to resolve to prosecution. We are using it this Working with the Hull Centre of
these neighbourhood disputes in way mostly with young offenders, but Restorative Practices 200 police and
the course of our policing work on also sometimes with adult offenders. Community Support Officers have
the streets. In doing this we are Providing a crime meets certain received a one-day ‘Introduction to
seeking to develop a shared criteria, (in our area, it is of a less Restorative Practices’ training
understanding among the members serious nature, the victim consents course, which equips them to use
of the community about what has and the suspect is not a repeat restorative practices as part of their
happened, and how we can resolve offender) then the Police Divisional daily work as neighbourhood officers.
the problem. We use restorative Commander for Hull has agreed for In addition 85 officers have been
practice to break down barriers such crime reports to be finalised trained to facilitate restorative
and allow people to live happily with a restorative disposal as an conferences, which we use to deal
side by side. alternative to prosecution. This with more serious crimes,
particularly when restorative
practice is being used as an
alternative to prosecution. Officers
are now able to work restoratively
CASE STUDY with trained partners in schools, care
Building community spirit following damage to a community centre homes, youth services and other
Following damage to a community centre a group of 8 local service areas. Three officers are RP
children were identified as being responsible. The manager of the trainers, able to train new officers
centre did not wish to take the matter to court and instead was and people from other organisations.
happy to finalise the investigation with a restorative conference. A This way we can spread and maintain
conference was held with all 8 children, a responsible adult for the skills in our force, and make sure
each and the manager of the centre. The conference was very we stay true to the quality of training
successful with all 8 children agreeing to attend the following that we need to deliver restorative
week-end to clear a section of the centre’s garden of weeds and practice well.
rubbish. All 8 children attended and carried out the agreed work.
Not only did the conference help the children understand the Inspector Iain Dixon
consequences of their actions, it also acted as a mechanism to build D Division Violent Crime
community spirit. Humberside Police
www.humberside.police.uk
7. 07
Restorative Practice with the under-
fives at Clifton Children’s Centre
I have been the Head at Clifton at the seaside. So I asked Our lead practitioner takes
Children’s Centre for three and a “What can you do to make responsibility for developing
half years. I attended an things right?” The ‘wrongdoer’ children’s skills at working
‘Introduction to Restorative walked away, which initially led restoratively. We have
Practice’ course during my first to further upset, but soon challenged ourselves to think
year in post. I can clearly returned with another teddy about what restorative practice
remember the feedback I shared and further discussion took means for our very youngest
at the end of the day: this is how place to negotiate how the play children, those aged 0-3, and
I believe we should be working could continue with two teddies in particular those who
and I now have a way to explain involved. I realised that have not developed verbal
it to others. The challenge for us previously I might have tried communication. We recognise
was how to work in a restorative other tactics, such as that the principles can still
manner with very young suggesting taking turns, guide and influence our
children. As a children’s centre, diverting attention to other practice and staff use the
we provide services for children activities, returning the teddy language of restorative
under five years old and work in to the crying child, or even practice around the children.
partnership with other agencies, putting the teddy away. I They have high expectations
such as health and job centre realised that all these actions that the children are involved in
plus, to provide services to involved me doing something to repairing harm.
support families as a whole, to the children and not supporting
This is reinforced by our puppet
ensure children get the best children to take responsibility
friends, whom the children
start in life. to work together to repair the
recognise as members of our
harm and work together to find
For example, a child in our community. They are used by
a good way forward.
nursery approached me crying staff to re-enact conflict and
and told me that another child With the support of the provide opportunities to
had pinched her teddy bear. I Restorative Head Teacher rehearse and reinforce the
brought the 2 three year olds Network I strive to lead my staff concept of finding out what
together and asked each in team in a restorative manner. All happened, how it made those
turn “What happened?” and staff at our centre complete the involved feel and to identify
“How did it make you feel?” It introduction to restorative what can happen to make
transpired that the ‘wrong practice, we use fun circles to things better.
doer’ had not intentionally develop community, we use
I am extremely proud when I see
caused harm; he believed he ‘what’s on top’ and problem-
children ‘checking in’ at the
was continuing with the play, solving circles to identify
start of the session. Parents are
taking the teddy for a day out concerns and identify solutions.
also part of the process. As
children and parents enter the
setting, you will see them having
conversations with each other
and staff about how they are
feeling and what they may need.
I was extremely proud when I
observed one of our two year
olds approach his upset friend.
He reached out his hand, gently
touched her on the arm and
asked “What happened?”
Restorative practice is very
powerful and it can be
introduced to children from a
very young age because it is all
about building community.
Alison Ahearne
Headteacher
Staff using puppets at Clifton Childrens Centre
‘check-in’ circle time www.clifton-childrens-centre.co.uk
8. 08
A tour: Collingwood Primary School
Cirlce
Circletime at Collingwood
If_you put your head in at the door of playground disputes. You can see Go now to meet the school council
Collingwood you will probably hear how our ‘buddies’ are supporting and and they will tell you how important
laughter coming from the staff room. directing children with play and school is to them, how they view it as
That’s our staff circle where we are make note of the children using ‘the a community and how they
sharing funny stories in our ‘go questions’ to confront their peers. represent other pupils’ views in
around’ before we get down to the meetings with the Headteacher and
business of the day. Walk past the Now walk over to the families’ centre other staff. They will show you
staffroom and look into one of our where you can see the families around and tell you how we solve
classes where you will see the completing their family learning problems in the school, how there is
children sitting in a circle ‘checking signature and observe the no room for bullying and how their
in’ and planning their day. Hear the restorative conference being run by a parents are involved and talked to
class identifying their feelings and Police Community Support Officer. when there is a problem.
listen to how the other children offer You can also see the group run by our
support to those who need it. health visitor with young children Now come and join our assembly
and their parents and how she is where we will be exploring one of the
Walk on a little further and observe modelling the restorative language key words that form our Collingwood
teachers beginning their lessons with for the parents. In the next room and values – we are talking about
a circle. See how the children are you may see our parents being respect, what that looks like and how
actively engaged and listen to how trained in restorative practices. good we are at demonstrating it
fantastic they are, and how every day in our dealings with people.
confidently they share their ideas. Back in the school hall where the Follow one of the classes out of
Pop your head round the emotional children are having their lunch you assembly and back into their
wellbeing worker’s door and you will can see the lunchtime supervisors classroom where they will finish the
see her running a restorative circle running restorative processes to day with a class circle ‘checking out’,
for a small group of children who resolve lunchtime issues. If you discussing their highlights and
have had friendship issues and need a have time, stay for the after school evaluating their day in preparation
way to resolve their concerns and club where our coaches will be for a new day tomorrow.
move forward. circling up the children to start the
coaching session. Ask them how Estelle Macdonald
Turn and walk into the playground restorative practices helps them Headteacher
and watch the children playing circle communicate and deal with the Collingwood Primary School
games and ‘circling up’ to solve petty children in their care. admin@collingwood.hull.sch.uk
9. 09
Regime change, challenges and
solutions at Endeavour High School
Chris Straker, Head of don’t claim to be a 100% framework within their own
Endeavour High School wanted successful but we have seen a context that has a strong focus
a way to manage behaviour dramatic fall in fixed- term and on the balance between
problems in the school. In permanent exclusions, as well challenge and support. It is
restorative practices, what he as our recording of a whole about working with all
got was a solution that, though host of data related to negative parties and not doing things to
simple, changed the school in types of behaviour. Ofsted may or for them. It challenges
unexpected ways, not just for find us wanting in some areas preconceptions that the
the kids but for the adults as but they always find the pupils solution to behaviour problems
well. to be articulate and supportive is a mechanical process (for
of each other and the values of example by rewarding
Introducing restorative the school. behaviour with marbles in a cup
practices involves a system or ticks on a wall).
change – it is transformational. We use circles throughout the
Restorative practices are both school : for ‘check ins’ and Introducing restorative
a philosophy and a way of ‘check outs’; in teaching and practice challenges schools to
being, however idealistic all learning; in problem solving look closely at the relationships
that may sound. with pupils and staff; in a in their institution and is clear
range of staff personnel issues; that, if they are right, all else
Restorative practices are not, and we also meet in informal follows. Simply applying an
of course, a universal panacea. staff circles as regularly as we end-loaded structure bolted
Our school is in an extremely can. In so doing we have onto the school will not work.
challenging environment and experienced a greater voice and Instead, one must change the
throws up issues every day. influence from the pupils. networks of relationships and
Kids have not gone from being challenge everyone, especially
perceived as ‘social zeros’ to Impact – always make sure you the adults, to take
heroes in a single leap. We still can show that, of course: a responsibility for their actions
deal with complex needs in the reduction in exclusions; an and, most importantly, be
web of relationships that make improvement in behaviour; explicit about their values and
up the life of a young person, pupil questionnaires showing a commitment to restorative
but we do so in a far less confidence in the school to deal ways of working at all times.
reactive way. with issues because pupils are
part of the process; an If you want data from this
We don’t, for instance, improvement in staff article you won’t get it –
celebrate the number of formal attendance. But change and Google us and find the data on
conferences we have. Our ideal impact are also a feeling in a our website. But here is an
would be to have no formal school – a sense that the school anecdote: when a primary head
conferences, because that no longer rides a wave of steep was asked about the outcomes
would indicate that we are peaks and deep troughs but has of her implementing restorative
getting it right at the basic a calmness and a clearer practices, she didn’t quote
level of human interactions and default position for all that statistics, she said, “I get my
the context we have tried to we do. afternoons back after the lunch
create. time”. This tells us that she is
Visit the school and you will see no longer the only person
We use the restorative our values clearly articulated responsible for dealing with all
questions proactively, as part of by pupils, both verbally and in the issues that lunch breaks
the everyday vocabulary of the their behaviour. Restorative bring up; many more people in
school. We are explicit, in ways practices have made our values school have become involved in
we never were before, about our explicit through our actions. solving problems or creating
expectations of each other as the context where issues that
adults and pupils. We have This is not an article about how once plagued the place have
worked to empower the pupils to introduce restorative been resolved. Now that IS
with the tools to be their own, practices into a school. That regime change.
and our, restorative agents. We would have to be much longer.
have tried to stop telling their Implementing restorative Chris Straker
story for them, to let them practices eschews the National Headteacher
articulate the issues and strive Strategy model and asks Endeavour High School
for solutions themselves. We schools to use an explicit admin@endeavourhigh.hull.sch.uk
10. 10
F amily Group Conferencing in Hull
Gill, Anne, Julia & Donna
of Hull Family Group
Conferencing Service
Hull City Council’s Family Group and truanting behaviour in school can wellbeing of the child and offer
Conferencing (FGC) Service has be a result of difficulties in home life. support where possible. One
been running in the city for over ten example was when maternal
years. The service uses restorative The service also works closely with grandparents gave up their home
practice to engage with families and the central duty team, where they every other Saturday to enable their
support them through difficult times. look to engage with families at the grandchild and ex son-in-law to
The key to their work is being open point of contact, in the hope that this have contact in a comfortable
and honest and ensuring that all will address issues before they get family environment to help build
family members, including children, worse. The team also pick up their relationship ahead of
have a say in plans that directly referrals from the central duty team overnight stays. The grandparents
affect them. to try and prevent children and had made no secret of the fact that
young people entering the looked - they ‘had no time for him’, but they
The team works across a range of after system. were willing to do this for the child
support services for families in need, they loved. Had the child care team
or at risk. These include proactive Family resource centres in the city or an agency suggested this, one can
self referrals that are usually around refer to FGC for help on matters such imagine the response! It was the
contact between estranged parents, as returning children to family grandparents’ idea and indeed
to more complex cases including members, looking for alternative ‘most people do the right thing
looked-after children and child carers to prevent adoption, and in most of the time’.
protection cases. The team also work complex contact situations when
closely with health colleagues, family might be best suited to cover Advocacy is key to giving the best
children’s centres and other agencies this. Their ethos is based on the belief possible service to families. The
to ensure that families receive all the that families are ‘experts on team work alongside a voluntary
support they need. themselves and, given the advocacy scheme and no meeting
information and opportunity, will goes ahead without the voice of the
The team hold surgeries in many look towards solving many of their child, young person or vulnerable
primary and secondary schools own problems’. adult being heard.
across the city, where staff and
parents can find out about the service In the instance where a child Gill Kennett
and discuss their needs. It is a protection plan is necessary, other FGC Manager
recognised fact that issues do not family members will be part of that Hull County Council
occur in isolation, and challenging plan and will contribute to the familygroup.conferenceteam@hullcc.gov.uk
11. 11
Restorative Practices in Residential Care
Settings for Children & Young People in Hull
OK, we haven’t got it easy in Something had to change. We how what they had been doing
Hull. Poverty, generational started by training all the was affecting someone else, or
unemployment, migrant contracted staff in restorative to understand the difficulties
communities, and strict practices – in the basic ideas, in that the wrongdoer was facing
territorial boundaries – all circle work, and an increasing at the time and have some
contribute to a high proportion number as facilitators. We empathy for him or her.
of families in difficulty and introduced circles as a basic
therefore children who need to model of communications, both Yes, there was resistance. Yes, it
be looked after. Others can talk with children and between staff was seen as a fad. Yes, it was
– with insight and wisdom – and children – and between “another management imposed
about the social and cultural staff. Young people became technique”.
implications of this situation. involved in deciding boundaries,
Meanwhile, those of us who in agreeing what would happen But in the end, it works. It has
work directly with children in if guidelines were broken, they helped to tackle bullying. It has
the residential sector have to picked menus, they contributed reduced serious events within
deal with the outcome on a to house rules. They became part the homes. It has reduced police
daily basis. of the decision making process and criminal justice involvement.
and felt some ownership of it. It has demonstrably helped
Responding to children who children to see their actions in
behave in a challenging and We routinely used affective context. The result is that the
unacceptable way – ranging statements and questions in staff team are open to
from verbal abuse through to responding to many events, from accepting that restorative
criminal damage and antisocial minor disagreements to more practices, with its key elements
behaviour up to assaults on serious flare-ups. Mini- of working with people (not
carers – is a constant backdrop conferences, held almost on the doing things to them), being
to our work. We have good spot, proved highly effective in fair, allowing emotions and
systems in place for dealing helping people who had fallen using a no- blame question
out rebuild their relationships style, is a framework for
with each individual child. We
(and I am not just talking about evaluating and reflecting on
have a well motivated staff
the young people!). how we all interact with each
group that wants to lead the
other.
young people to a better
And if something really had
informed choice about dealing
gone wrong, we used the That’s how we build a sense of
with the issues they face in restorative questions as a means community, an appreciation of
their lives. What we didn’t have of exploring it. This means the relationships. That’s the way
was an integrated approach to no-blame, non-judgemental forward.
making things better. questions that allow a
wrongdoer to realise the impact Matt Sutcliffe
Residential settings traditionally of his/her actions on others, and Senior Care Officer
applied “consequences” for equally allows the “harmed Children & Young People’s
“bad” behaviour. Repeated person” to perhaps appreciate Services,Hull City Council
infringement would lead to
repeated or increased
consequences. These consequences Hull Centre for Restorative Practices
were in reality sanctions
imposed by staff with the aim of
deterring such behaviours. Any
The Hull Centre for Restorative Practices (HCRP), with the
summary analysis quickly shows International Institute for Restorative Practices UK, have
that they were largely been developing and co-ordinating the implementation of
ineffective. restorative practice across the wide range of organisations
dealing with young people in Hull.
Equally ineffective was the
tendency to avoid challenging For more information on the work of the HCRP contact
unacceptable behaviour, where
well-meaning staff would “make
Mark Finnis, Head of Training and Consultancy, Hull
it all right” by side-stepping Centre for Restorative Practices by phone 01482 305800
what a young person was doing or email markfinnis@mac.com.
that was not acceptable.
12. 12
Introducing Professor Tony Hazell
I obtained a Masters Degree in organisations, staff within the health
Public and Social Administration departments of the 4 countries of the
from Brunel University in 1984 UK (health being a ‘devolved
and, in 1992, was awarded a responsibility) and with service users
Personal Chair, primarily in and other members of the public.
recognition of my work in forensic
child care. During the latter half of My interest in alternatives to custody
my academic career I developed a and, more particularly restorative
particular interest in health policy justice, was rekindled through my
and combined my university post involvement in the role of High
with that of a Non Executive Sheriff of South Glamorgan, a
Having completed an honours Director, and subsequently position which I held myself in 2009-
degree in French, Spanish and Chairman, of a large All Wales 10. In recent years the High Sheriffs
Politics at Bristol University in NHS Trust. In 2002 I was of South Glamorgan have supported
1968 I undertook two years of appointed as a Lay Member of the RJ programmes established in
post-graduate study at Cardiff newly formed Health Professions Cardiff Prison by one of the Prison
University, obtaining a Council and in 2009 I took up the Chaplains, Julia Houlston-Clark,
postgraduate diploma in social role as the first elected Lay Chair particularly through charitable
sciences and a postgraduate of the re-constituted Nursing and fundraising. It is perfectly clear to
diploma in applied social studies. Midwifery Council (NMC), a role me that these programmes have
The latter also gave me a which I currently hold. been hugely successful and are
qualification as a Probation Officer worthy of continuing support,
and as a Child Care Officer. In The NMC is the largest statutory hopefully from government funds in
August 1970 I began my health regulator in the world with the near future. I was therefore
professional career as a Probation over 650,000 nurses and midwives delighted to receive the invitation to
Officer with Nottinghamshire on the Register. The Council itself become a member of the new
Probation and After Care Service. I Restorative Justice Council. I believe
comprises 14 members, 7 of whom
very quickly became interested in passionately in the importance of
are Lay Members (including myself)
juvenile offending and, together high-quality public services and see
with a local Child Care Officer I with the other 7 being ‘Registrants’.
All 14 Council members were registration, whether voluntary or
established some of the first statutory, as an important
‘alternative to custody’ appointed by the Privy Council
mechanism for assuring such quality.
programmes, known in those days through the Appointments
The new RJC will face many
as ‘Intermediate Treatment’. I guess Commission following open challenges as it endeavours to
you could say that this marked the competition. Our role is to set the become the means of assuring high
beginning of my interest in what is policy and strategic direction for the quality in the field of Restorative
known now as ‘Restorative Justice’. NMC and to hold to account the Justice and I look forward to using
I continued my work with young work of the Chief Executive and my previous and current knowledge
offenders during time spent with other senior staff. My own role, in and experience in assisting the
three different local authority addition to chairing monthly Council to achieve this objective.
Social Services Departments meetings of the Council, involves a
before deciding to focus on an considerable amount of engagement Tony Hazell
academic career, initially in East with a wide range of stakeholders, RJC Trustee and Chair of Nursing
Anglia and subsequently in South including politicians, professional and Midwifery Council
Wales, where I still live. bodies and Trade Unions, voluntary info@restorativejustice.org.uk
13. 13
Grown up restorative policing
Devon and Cornwall
Constabulary has been using
restorative approaches since Case Study
2004. Primarily, this was used Two young men, aged 18 and 19 years, were walking home in
by Neighbourhood Teams as a the early hours whilst slightly intoxicatedand were seen by a
tool to resolve community issues neighbour causing minor damage to another neighbour’s
and neighbourhood disputes and shed. The following day, when visited by the local Police
was used with good success. Officer, both men accepted that they had caused the damage.
Neither had been in trouble with the police previously. The
Historically, there has been a victim was more than happy to use a restorative approach
friction between what the and so the young men repaired the damage to the shed
government permitted police roofing felt;one then bought a bunch of flowers for the
forces to count as a method of victim, the other wrote a letter of apology. The victim was
detecting a crime, and what really pleased with this outcome.
appeared to the person on the
street as a ‘detected’ offence.
The Government then relaxed its be heard. In relation to young figure is higher than many of us
measurement of performance people it was about a might like (and higher than our
and focussed on public proportionate response to their 8% re-offending rate for the
confidence / satisfaction, offending behaviour – the first YRD), it is still very low when
enabling forces to use more time they offended. we consider that (at this early
restorative approaches within stage) 89% have not re-
their normal policing activities, The YRD process has been offended.
as reported in previous editions covered in previous editions of
of Resolution . Resolution from ourselves and What has been really pleasing is
other forces around the country. the positive press coverage
In 2008 Devon and Cornwall This article will look at how the within Devon and Cornwall and
commenced a pilot scheme of a ARD process has developed – feedback from our own
Youth Restorative Disposal and its early successes. communities. Our feedback
(D&C YRD). The Devon and follows widely publicised levels
Cornwall YRD is not the same as From mid April 2009 (when the of satisfaction within restorative
the formal Government YRD process began) to early June approaches, where over 86%
pilot, although it mirrors it 2010, 2,329 ARDs were issued. were positive about the
almost exactly. However, it Initial findings show that a experience and 95% had
included from the outset ‘Hate large proportion of the received their reparation within
Crimes’ (racially or religiously offenders dealt with through the agreed times.
aggravated offences), and an this process are still under the
option for a local senior officer age of 25, and 63% of The Restorative Disposals
(Superintendent) to permit offenders are under the age of continue to be an important tool
‘exceptional circumstances’ 35. However, the oldest within the policing picture in
where a YRD could be used for offender involved in the ARD Devon and Cornwall. They
more serious offending. process to date is 96 years of provide an opportunity for a
age. This demonstrates to me proportionate response to
As a result of creating our own the importance of flexibility for offending behaviour; provide a
YRD it seemed ethical and Police Officers, Police clear opportunity for greater
appropriate to create a similar Community Support Officers victim / community engagement
scheme for adults, which we (CSOs / PCSOs) and Crime and, importantly, provide our
called the Adult Restorative Investigators to be able to do offenders with a very real
Disposal (ARD). what is ‘right’ in each situation. opportunity to acknowledge
their offending behaviour and
The aim of the Restorative For the whole period, 241 make amends for it.
Disposals was to provide staff (11%) of these have re-
and communities with decision- offended after their ARD (of PC Phil Skedgell
making opportunities based on which just over 50% were aged Force Restorative Justice
ethical values and local policing 18-25). Long-term national Support Officer, Devon and
needs, rather than mandated statistics around re-offending Cornwall Constabulary
national processes. This was indicate that, of those leaving For further information email
about giving victims in Devon prisons, two thirds re-offend restorative.justice@devonandcor
and Cornwall an opportunity to within 2 years. Whilst the 11% nwall.pnn.police.uk.
15. 15
Who takes ownership of a Restorative
Justice programme?
The views presented hereafter are mine alone and, whilst I Whilst, in the current challenging economic climate, saving
understand they may be controversial, I hope that they money is essential, this must not become the primary focus
encourage an open debate on how we need to develop our of restorative practices. Nor should the focus be on forcing
thinking and practice and why everyone who believes in the individuals to participate but, rather, the focus should be on
concept of restorative practices should be aspiring to achieve how the needs of all those involved or affected can be
truly restorative practices. An explanation of what I mean identified and addressed as much as possible in order to
by truly restorative is provided later in this article. create safer, more inclusive communities.
At the European Forum for Restorative Justice’s 10th Many restorative projects are managed and delivered by
Anniversary conference in Bilbao, Spain in June 2010, retired the statutory agencies and the community (including those
Concord, Massachusetts Police Chief Len Wetherbee and I who have been victimised, witnesses and other
presented a session with the above title. I spoke about the stakeholders) only provides a service to the system.
issues that set a community/statutory agencies partnership Ownership has, therefore, remained with the statutory
approach to restorative practices apart from those that are agencies. Whilst, rightly, holding the person who has
managed and delivered solely by the statutory agencies. Len caused harm to account, the aims of those projects tend to
gave an example of such an approach, speaking about the be focused on reducing offending and re-offending with
community/statutory agencies partnership Communities for involvement from the community, especially those who
Restorative Justice (www.C4RJ.com) project in Concord and have been victimised, being inconsistent. Much of the
how effective a non-profit partnership of community emphasis is on quantitative evaluation, with qualitative
members and police departments can be. evaluation being of secondary importance. Outcomes are
This ‘theme’ is also timely in view of Prime Minister David more likely to be imposed and the gate-keeping for access
Cameron’s vision of ‘A Big Society’. If, as I read it, the Prime to such programmes excludes many who may benefit from
Minister was encouraging us to think about what we, as participating in a restorative practice, because they do not
individuals, could do to help create and maintain communities fit the referral criteria.
that value everyone and empower us, then the idea is In community and statutory agency partnerships, the project
commendable. To adapt the words of the late President John is more likely to provide a service to the community.
F. Kennedy, we should think not about what our communities Ownership is then shared between members of the
can do for us, rather what we can do for our communities. partnership. The aims of such a partnership approach are
Restorative practices can be very effectively used in likely to focus on creating and maintaining safer
communities with well- trained, highly motivated members of communitiesand put equal emphasis on qualitative and
those communities, supported by the statutory agencies, quantitative evaluation. Outcomes that are realistic and
taking on the role of facilitators, thus relieving statutory acceptable to everyone are negotiated, not imposed.
agency staff to focus on their ‘core business’. Such a model is Because these partnership projects empower the community
working very well in Concord, Massachusetts and the team at at all stages, the support of the community is assured and
Newham Restorative Justice Network (NRJN) and Rights they are much more likely to be sustainable. This is also a
and Equality in Newham, East London (REIN) is developing tie-in with ‘the Big Society’.
its initiatives along similar lines.
Paul McCold of the International Institute for Restorative
My support, as a police officer, for Restorative Justice came Practices, as far back as 2000, provided a ‘typology’ of
from an awareness of the frustration towards the criminal Restorative Justice practices that listed those practices as
justice system felt within the communities in which I worked. being either partly restorative, mostly restorative or fully
A great deal of that frustration came from the belief that restorative. I would add a fourth dimension to that
people who had been involved in, or affected by, crime and ‘typology’, that of being truly restorative.
offending behaviour were not only further victimised by the
system, but also that ownership of the situation they found Truly restorative practices must adhere to the principles of
themselves in had been taken from them by that system. I restorative processes first published by the Restorative
believed at the time, and believe even more passionately now, Justice Consortium in December 2004. They must also seek
that Restorative Justice was a concept that could return to include, with their informed consent (not forced), all
‘ownership’ of behaviour that causes harm or offence to its those involved in, or affected by, conflict or behaviour that
rightful owners, the community. causes harm. The needs of everyone are considered equally
in the process that adopts an inclusive, non-judgemental
Media misrepresentation, including recent Daily Mail
approach to enable those involved in, or affected by, to
coverage of the work of the Restorative Justice Consortium
negotiate an outcome that is realistic and acceptable to
and Victim Support (Daily Mail, Monday 26 July 2010),
continues to portray a negative image of the concept. Articles everyone.
such as this brings restorative practice into disrepute, as do Ken Webster, Managing Director, KW Consultancy & Training Ltd. For
those about “forcing offenders to apologise to their victims” further information, contact Ken by visiting
and, indeed, many proponents and so-called ‘experts’ of www.kwconsultancyandtraining.co.uk or by email
Restorative Justice who continue to speak in similar terms. kenneth_t_webster@btinternet.com.
16. Events & Vacancies
For up-to-date information on RJ events go to: www.restorativejustice.org.uk/?Events
Peer Mediation in
Schools Forum
Enhancing the Community: Friday, 24th September 2010,
West Bromwich Albion Stadium,
Restorative Approaches in Durham Birmingham
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Durham City Town Hall, Durham City Supported by the Civil Mediation Council, 13th IIRP World Conference
the Peer Mediation In Schools Forum is
With contributions from Looked After an international event aimed at drawing Wednesday, 13th – 15th October 2010
Services, Youth Offending, Education and together ideas and knowledge from Hull, England
the Police, this Conference will look at around the world on this important
the application of Restorative subject.The objectives are to learn what is The IIRP's 13th World Conference,
Approaches in different settings across happening, to consider how best to "Restorative Practices Across
County Durham. Delegates will learn promote peer mediation, here and globally, Disciplines," will be held October 13–15,
from the successes and set backs and to listen to children involved in the 2010, in Hull, in collaboration with Hull
experienced in Durham and will have process. City Council. The conference will feature
opportunities to network with several plenary speakers, including Hull's
Restorative Practitioners and to consider Around the Forum it is intended to hold a Director of Children and Young People's
how to take the Restorative Approach number of training days in different parts Services, Nigel Richardson, whose vision
forward in their own setting. of the country to allow selected schools in of a family-friendly city has led to training
different areas to experience what peer in restorative practices for 23,000
Standard delegate rate £90. For further mediation might do for them. professionals and volunteers throughout
information or to book please call CYPS the city.
Communications on 0191 383 6535 or For information and booking visit
email cypscommunications@durham.gov.uk www.schoolsmediationinternational.org More information visit www.iirp.org
Restorative Justice Training and Training Organisations
RJC select a small number of Restorative Justice training providers who subscribe to RJC Code of Practice for Trainers each issue (space
allowing) to receive a free advertisement of their services. For the full list of trainers, training courses and the accompanying RJC
complaints procedure visit www.restorativejustice.org.uk
The Restorative
Justice Training
KW Consultancy & Training Ltd is an Company has a small
organisation specialising in providing network of very
high quality training appropriate for all fair process personnel have been experienced trainers, and will
who are involved in trying to resolve training restorative practice since 2004 endeavour to provide the most suitable
conflict caused by harmful behaviour in and have flexible courses that are training for you and your team at very
whatever context it occurs. bespoke to client needs. low cost.
www.kwconsultancyandtraining.co.uk briandowling@fairprocess.com www.restorativejusticetraining.co.uk
Join the RJC
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Supporters receive a free copy of our quarterly newsletter Resolution, and our monthly e-bulletins, with all the
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We rely on our membership to help us promote the use of Restorative Justice; your support will help us do even
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