It’s certainly initially counterintuitive (although less so for EUs)! But listening to story after story of how it really does, is amazing. They also quoted studies that showed it works, and gave examples of it working in other countries, producing huge positive ripple on effects & reduced re-committing etc. There was even a moment were I actually shed a tear (no one saw as I was the lone person in the front row!).
To be fair there are some situations where we currently lack the wisdom/resources/skills to facilitate the restoration. e.g. psychopaths. However, one day, God willing, we will find a cure to that too – unless Christ returns and heals people.
Encouragingly it was well attended - about 50-100(?) people. And from a wide range of organisations. Lawyers, social workers, charities, education, prison workers, police, & even local MPs!! I was excited to find out that it’s gaining momentum, not just in Youth Justice, but in society too!! Makes me want to get more involved - shame I don’t have any qualifications & not sure I’d be able to afford my mortgage by just volunteering But one day, when kids are at school & Shell at work, maybe the door will open!
Some things from my notes:
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RJ works regardless of gender
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RJ works at any age
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there have been indigenous groups around the world that have used it for thousands of years
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Victims & perpetrators usually both want reconciliation
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Apologies are incredibly powerful
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Even simply hearing both sides of the story, and how victim has been hurt, makes a huge impact
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RJ is self replicating. It spreads & people begin doing it of their own accord, without help
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RJ increases ownership of offence & the amount of remorse felt
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“The more severe the the offence, the more powerful the RJ healing is”
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Relationships improve effectiveness of RJ
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It strengthens communities
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“RJ can be a philosophy of life - it can be used at home, at work, anywhere”
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“Although we want justice quickly, we also want it fairly” - Judge
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Walking along side people helps. Leading by example helps.
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“Consequences are very important, but you want to make sure the punishment isn’t pointless, that it achieves something, rather than feeding the cycle.” - Judge
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“Courts are a very blunt tool & often less effective” - Judge
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The wrong type of punishment can escalate the problems. e.g. children who get suspended are much more likely to end up in jail
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Given a little help, most people are able to contemplate what they’ve done & how they’ve hurt someone
