Volunteers are delivering Restorative Justice across Essex
Victims of crime and anti-social behaviour are now being given the opportunity to communicate with the person that has caused them harm, thanks to a project funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Essex. The Restorative Justice (RJ) Hub facilitates communication between those involved in a crime or conflict such as neighbour disputes, allowing victims to ask questions and receive meaningful reparation for the harm that has been caused.
Restorative Justice results in high victim satisfaction rates and a reduction in reoffending as it allows those who have caused harm to take responsibility for their actions.
Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Restorative Justice can be an excellent way of helping to resolve situations where people are suffering harm or are the victims of persistent nuisance behaviour. We’re continuing to recruit and train volunteers, providing them with the skills needed to help use Restorative Justice in our communities.
“I’m delighted that we already have a team of 24 trained and committed volunteers delivering Restorative Justice across Essex, and it would be good to expand that team still further.”
The Restorative Justice Hub is continuing to recruit volunteers to become Restorative Justice Facilitators. The role includes facilitating meetings between those involved in the crime or conflict.
Once you have been fully trained you will be able to:
• Meet with participants (victims, perpetrators and those involved in neighbour disputes) in the restorative justice process.
• Explain the RJ process to all participants, including what is expected of them and the potential risks involved.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, such as offender management and Victim Support in individual cases to ensure minimal risk and appropriate support for participants.
• Bring victims, offenders and supporters together in the same venue to meet face-to-face,
• Monitor outcome agreements and ensure they are completed and updated
More details and a short film about Restorative Justice in practice can be seen on the Essex PCC website here
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity or you would like to know how to apply please contact [email protected] or Emma Callaghan on 01245 291609
