Definitions

Restorative justice

A technique for assisting one party to help repair the harm they caused to another party, within the justice system. In restorative justice both parties need to voluntarily agree to taking part in the process and the person responsible needs to take responsibility for having committed the harm.  Restorative justice sits in the wider setting of restorative practice.

 

Restorative practice

Restorative practice can be used anywhere to repair harm and build relationships. It provides a safe space for people to talk openly and positively. Restorative practice is increasingly being used in Scotland, and not just within the criminal justice system. It can also be found in some schools, children’s services, workplaces, hospitals and communities.

 

Restorative approach

Where the worker (normally called restorative practitioner) works with only the person harmed or the person who has harmed to help them move forward in their lives.

For a person harmed, that may be to help them rebuild their self-confidence, or to support them based on their individual need. For a person who has harmed, work will surround both the effects of offending and ways to avoid repeating similar behaviour in future.

 

Restorative skills

The skills required by workers in working either in restorative practice or a service using a restorative approach.