Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his policy is on the use of restorative justice for young offenders.

Restorative justice is a key part of the rehabilitation of young people in both the community and custody.

Conducted by youth offender panels, Referral Orders are community orders imposed by the sentencing court. They are underpinned by the principles of ensuring a restorative approach and a positive outcome for all those affected by the offence. Youth offender panels conduct referral orders in accordance with restorative principles and practice, enabling children and young people to recognise the consequences of their offending and to be accountable for their actions. Enabling the voice of the victim to be heard is central to the Referral Order and the victim should be offered information about the order, consulted as to their wishes and invited to be involved in a restorative process.

When in custody, conflict resolution strategies are used as part of a wider Behavioural Management Strategy, applying Restorative Justice Principles to resolve conflict between young people. In addition, staff are being trained as Restorative Justice Facilitators, with the aim of all the public-sector youth secure establishments earning a Restorative Justice Quality Mark.