Victims meeting offenders scheme working

NINE out of 10 crime victims who met their offenders as part of a garda “restorative justice” system were happy with the scheme, research suggests.

A report into the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme said 177 restorative events were carried out last year, compared to 118 in 2003.

Restorative justice is an alternative system outside the criminal process which brings together both the victim and offender.

“The victim is given an opportunity to meet the child who offended and outline to him or her how the crime impacted on them,” Assistant Commissioner Al McHugh said.

Mr McHugh said the offender’s behaviour is challenged and they are given an opportunity not only to apologise by to try and “undo” the harm.

He said this can be done by way of replacing stolen goods, compensating for a loss, mending some damage caused or agreeing conditions for future behaviour.

He said restorative justice took two forms: a restorative caution and a restorative conference. The latter is a more thorough and labour-intensive process and brings together other relevant people, such as the child’s parents, teachers, social workers, etc.

“Early indications of research carried out by the Garda Research Unit indicate in the region of 90% of victims who attended such events were satisfied with the process and would be happy to recommend it,” Mr McHugh said.

He said these events deal with offences including assault, burglary, theft, criminal damage and motoring offences.

The report showed a 4% rise in the number of offences committed by children referred to the Diversion Programme.

There was a significant rise in violent offences, including a 17% rise in assaults and a 46% rise in cases of possession of a weapon with intent.

Commenting on concerns regarding the unchanging number of juvenile liaison officers (jlos), numbering 95, and how this could limit an expansion of restorative events, Mr McHugh said that if it was necessary to increase the number of jlos it would be done.

Minister for Children Brian Lenihan said there were 64 youth diversion projects in operation under the programme, with a budget this year of €5.47 million.