Just Care: Restorative Justice Approaches to Working with Children in Public Care

With more than 2,000 children in custody, stubbornly high reoffending rates and millions of pounds spent on incarcerating children each year, it is often frustrating to observe the constant churn of policies based on knee-jerk responses and political point-scoring rather than evidence-based best practice. Restorative justice is the most effective tool the criminal justice system does not use. Evidence shows that both children and victims benefit, and that every £1 invested in restorative justice saves £8 in reduced reoffending rates.

Just Care recognises the benefits of restorative justice as well as the complex needs and behaviours of the children in these settings. With 71 per cent of children in custody having been in the care of or in contact with social services, author Belinda Hopkins' transfer of emphasis from restorative justice to restorative approaches, which highlight the benefits of proactive behaviour reinforcement rather than just using it as a reactive intervention, is most welcome.

By addressing children's behaviours and needs in public care before they come into contact with criminal justice agencies, her model supports addressing complex needs, reinforcing positive behaviours and diverting children away from the youth justice system.

A clear, concise background to restorative justice offers an excellent introduction to anyone who wants to learn the basics. Just Care is a practical guide full of activities and examples for any practitioner who wants to adopt restorative approaches with children in public care.

Jenny Chambers, youth justice policy officer, the Howard League for Penal Reform

Buy Just Care: Restorative Justice Approaches to Working with Children in Public Care now