Restorative Justice

Taking part in RJ is a not an easy option for those involved. It encourages those who have caused harm to acknowledge the impact of what they have done and gives them an opportunity to help make amends. It also enables the person harmed to explain the effect of their harm or loss, to hear an apology and to have some say in how the harm can be repaired. In resolving the harm done in a just and fair way RJ works to prevent it happening again.

All RJ processes have the same basic aim and structure: they are designed to enable those involved to speak openly and honestly about…

• The Facts what happened and why.
• The Consequences how people have been affected.
• The Future: how the harm can be addressed and prevented from happening again.

Locally, RJ is operated by the Community Mediation Team – CAB – Shetland. The service is free, independent and confidential.In Shetland there is an RJ service available to both children and adults and referrals are made at the discretion of the Children’s reporter and Procurator Fiscal.

RJ is a voluntary process; once we have given people information on the service it is their choice whether to take part. Only those who take responsibility for their part in causing harm to another and genuinely want to make amends are suitable to participate. If the person responsible decides to take part the person harmed is also contacted and given the opportunity to take part in the process. Dependent on circumstances, the people involved may choose to meet, communicate via the RJ worker or by letter.