Definitions

Restorative justice

Is a technique for assisting one party to help repair the harm they caused to another party, within the justice system. 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 is the collective term that covers all types of restorative work. It provides a safe space for people to talk openly and positively. Restorative practice is being used in Scotland and not just within the criminal justice system. It can be found in schools, children’s services, workplaces, hospitals, communities and prisons.

 

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 work may be to help them rebuild their self-confidence, or to tailor support based on the individual’s need. For a person responsible, work normally involves exploring the effects of their actions and ways to avoid repeating similar behaviour in future.

 

Restorative skills

The skills required by workers while working in restorative practice.