The Council’s Youth Justice Service has successfully renewed its Registered Restorative Organisation status with the Restorative Justice Council (RJC).
The Council is the national, independent membership body for the field of restorative practice.
It acts as the national voice for the membership, advocating the widespread use of all forms of restorative practice, including restorative justice.
Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm together, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
It is part of restorative practice that can be used anywhere to prevent conflict, build relationships and repair harm by enabling people to communicate effectively and positively. It is increasingly being used in schools, children’s services, workplaces, hospitals, communities and the criminal justice system.
The RJC has developed Practice Frameworks and guidance to support the delivery of quality restorative practice and has mechanisms in place for members to demonstrate that they meet these standards.
The Registered Restorative Organisation status shows that the Youth Justice Service follows the Council’s guidance in all areas of restorative practice in criminal and youth justice.
Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Coventry City Council, said: “This is wonderful news as it is very important recognition and it demonstrates very clearly the standards the Council works to and what people can expect of us.
“Restorative justice is a growing approach that is recognised as helping all involved in crime or conflict to find a way forward and I am delighted it is being used so well by our Youth Justice Service.”
Matthew Haynes, Team Manager of the Coventry Youth Justice Service, said: “It is great for the service and the team to be recognised for its hard work and commitment to supporting the victims of youth crime and the children and families involved in the youth justice system.”
Jim Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Restorative Justice Council, added: “I am delighted that Coventry Youth Justice Service has successfully renewed its Registered Restorative Organisation status with the Restorative Justice Council.
“Holding this status demonstrates its continued commitment to embedding restorative principles throughout every aspect of its work. Congratulations to Matthew and the team on this success.”
The renewed status brings benefits including building trust in the service when working with victims and demonstrating that the service has been assessed against an independent framework.
Also, the service is placed on the RJC practice register and has the opportunity to influence practice. Overall registration against the Framework sets out how a restorative organisation should work.
The news is further success for the service, which earlier this year was awarded an ‘outstanding’ grade after an inspection by HMI Probation.