Restorative justice: policy and practice framework

16. Restorative justice training, supervision and support

16.1 An RJ process must be underpinned by high quality training, supervision and support. RJ facilitators should also develop their experience over time, to support skilled facilitation in serious and complex cases, where additional training may also be required.

16.2 The Restorative Justice Training Needs Analysis for Scotland[xvi] provides a model for potential RJ training delivery in Scotland. Further detail can be found within the body of the report, however, in summary, it proposes a ‘levelled’ and ongoing approach to training, as outlined below:

• Introduction to RJ for all stakeholders
• The foundations of RJ principles and practices and RJ principles and practices with children and young people for practitioners wishing to qualify for general practice
• RJ in more sensitive and complex cases for experienced and trained facilitators able to engage in such cases

16.3 The following points summarise key considerations for the delivery of training in Scotland:

• Training offered should be reflective of the differences between children in conflict with the law, and adults who cause and experience harm.
• Training programmes should include a strong practical element and guidance on how RJ will operate when crime or harm is reported. This includes across organisational systems, regulations, data protection protocols, procedures for referral and risk management approaches.
• Training courses should cover both direct and indirect forms of RJ to ensure creativity, flexibility and efficacy in complex circumstances.
• Training should be appropriately accredited as assurance that the practitioner’s qualification to practice at various levels has been verified through assessment of skills and knowledge.
• Newly trained RJ facilitators should undertake some form of mentoring programme and spend time shadowing more experienced RJ facilitators. Regular supervision from managers and other, experienced facilitators is also recommended, to ensure services are delivered to a high standard.
• RJ facilitators across Scotland should be supported with a national network to develop and share practice, knowledge and research.
• Specialist training is required with expert services prior to engagement in RJ in serious and complex cases. This includes gender-based violence, hate crime and homicide.
• RJ facilitator training should focus on the skills required to explain the process to the person harmed. This should strike a balance between empowering the individual to make their own choices and decisions and ensuring the delivery of safe practice.
• RJ facilitators working with children should have a deep understanding of children’s rights in addition to an awareness of the complexities of working with children.

16.4 RJ facilitators’ backgrounds should reflect the diversity within modern Scotland. It is important to people who have experience of harm that RJ facilitators can act independently of the criminal justice and children’s hearing systems, and that those working within a RJ service are trauma-aware and responsive.

16.5 RJ services should consider opportunities for those who have been involved in RJ cases to speak to others about their experience and/or, where appropriate, to train as RJ facilitators or mentors. This would allow individuals to make more informed choices about their own RJ journey and support the development of trusting, safe relationships.