Key Takeaways:
- Restorative justice is a process that brings together willing victims and offenders in a controlled environment to discuss the harm caused and work towards healing and rehabilitation.
- The process is facilitated by trained professionals and can provide closure and a sense of justice for victims, as well as an opportunity for offenders to express remorse and make amends.
- Restorative justice can be used for a wide range of crimes, from theft to murder, and is particularly effective in cases of family violence.
- The process is not appropriate for every case and requires the willing participation of both victims and offenders.
- Restorative justice can be an effective way to reduce recidivism and promote healing and rehabilitation in communities.
Introduction to Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is a process that is written into law, providing an opportunity for victims and offenders to come together in a controlled environment to discuss the harm caused and work towards healing and rehabilitation. The process is facilitated by trained professionals, such as Kevin Lee and Wendy Branch, who work with victims and offenders to facilitate meetings and promote a sense of justice and closure. In Rotorua, Lee and Branch are among the trained experts who work with hundreds of cases each year, facilitating over 100 face-to-face restorative justice meetings.
The Restorative Justice Process
The restorative justice process begins with a pre-conference process to determine if all parties are on board and if it’s safe to proceed. If the parties agree to participate, they will meet with a trained facilitator who will guide the conversation and ensure that both parties have an opportunity to express themselves. The meetings can be emotional, but they provide a valuable opportunity for victims to have a voice and to hear the "why" behind the offending behavior. Offenders also have the opportunity to express remorse and make amends, which can be an important step in the healing process. However, not every case is appropriate for restorative justice, and the process requires the willing participation of both victims and offenders.
The Benefits of Restorative Justice
Restorative justice can be a powerful tool for promoting healing and rehabilitation in communities. By providing a safe and controlled environment for victims and offenders to come together, restorative justice can help to reduce recidivism and promote a sense of justice and closure. The process can also be particularly effective in cases of family violence, where the goal is often to repair relationships and promote healing. As Branch explains, restorative justice gives victims a voice and an ability to hear their "why", and it provides offenders with an opportunity to express remorse and make amends. The process can be emotional, but it is valuable when the facilitators personally witness people coming out the other side as better people.
The Challenges of Restorative Justice
While restorative justice can be a powerful tool for promoting healing and rehabilitation, it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that offenders are genuinely remorseful and committed to making positive changes. As Branch notes, "sorry is just a word", and it’s the actions that follow that are truly important. The facilitators must be able to distinguish between offenders who are genuinely remorseful and those who are simply trying to "play the system". Additionally, restorative justice may not be appropriate for every case, and the process requires the willing participation of both victims and offenders.
The Work of Mana Social Services
Mana Social Services is a non-profit organization that provides restorative justice services in Rotorua and other communities. The organization was founded by Maxine Rennie, a passionate social services advocate who recognized the importance of providing a safe and controlled environment for victims and offenders to come together. Today, the organization is led by general manager Rose Walker and employs 15 people full-time. Mana Social Services delivers court-referred restorative justice in five courts and offers a range of programs, including social work in schools, group and individual programs for family violence victims, and a specialized children’s program.
Supporting Vulnerable Men
One of the newer programs offered by Mana Social Services is specifically designed for men. Te Puawaitanga-Roppu Tautoko Tane helps support vulnerable men and is run by social worker Lucky Meads. The program provides a safe and supportive environment for men to discuss their experiences and work towards positive change. Meads notes that most men in the court system have suffered trauma, and the program provides a valuable opportunity for them to address their issues and work towards healing. The program is carefully designed to meet the needs of vulnerable men, and it has been shown to be effective in promoting positive change and reducing recidivism.
Conclusion
Restorative justice is a powerful tool for promoting healing and rehabilitation in communities. By providing a safe and controlled environment for victims and offenders to come together, restorative justice can help to reduce recidivism and promote a sense of justice and closure. The process is not without its challenges, but with trained facilitators and a commitment to promoting positive change, restorative justice can be a valuable resource for communities. As Branch notes, the work of restorative justice is not just about the process, but about the people and the positive changes that can be made. With organizations like Mana Social Services leading the way, restorative justice is an important part of promoting healing and rehabilitation in communities.
