Restorative justice: policy and practice framework
Guidance on the practice of restorative justice (RJ) in Scotland in relation to adults and children. It sets out minimum standards and expectations against which RJ practice can be benchmarked, monitored and evaluated to ensure consistent delivery in line with RJ principles.
18. Self-referral
18.1 People harmed and people who have caused harm can self-refer to RJ services across Scotland where such services are available. Contact details for RJ services should be accessible to them either through clearly displayed promotional materials or directly from staff within justice, educational services, children’s services and universal services.
18.2 Requesting RJ does not necessarily mean a process will then progress. This will depend on:
- the needs and desired outcomes of all parties involved
- the stage of any case within the criminal and civil justice systems
- information considered as part of an assessment of risk, strengths and the mitigation of risks, completed by trained facilitators with all parties to RJ
18.3 Where a process cannot progress beyond referral, the RJ service must offer to support people towards the correct service and/or support they may require, based on choice.
18.4 Where an individual wishes to self-refer for RJ while in custody, support should be provided by the Scottish Prison Service, the police and/or third sector staff to make such a referral to an available RJ service from within their local area of residence.
Contact
Email: restorative.justice@gov.scot