The Glasgow Restorative Justice Service works to encourage young people to take active responsibility for the affects of their behaviour on not only those harmed, but themselves, their families and the wider community.

Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice is a philosophy which allows young people to take active responsibility for repairing the harm caused by their antisocial or offending behaviour.

In some instances this may involve contact between the person harmed and the person responsible, giving them an opportunity to talk about the affects of an incident.  It also gives those causing the harm a chance to take responsibility for their actions and make amends.

Restorative Justice is not about punishment or retribution, but aims to facilitate a dialogue between people enabling them to move on from a negative experience in a positive way. 

Glasgow’s Service

The Restorative Justice Service was formed in April 2003 and officially launched in August of the same year.

The service works in partnership with a number of agencies including Strathclyde Police, the Children's Reporter, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, British Transport Police along with City Council services such as Culture & Sport Glasgow Youth Services.

The service consists of a large team of specialist staff experienced and trained in working with young people, in particular those young people involved in the early stages of offending or antisocial behaviour.

The Aim

The service aims to reduce the rates of offending, re-offending and amount of low level crime across our city.  It aims to provide an opportunity for young people to learn about the effects of their behaviour.  This aim is underpinned by "an early intervention approach" and the re-engagement of young people with some of the opportunities and services which exist across our city.

The Process

The service works with young people under the age of 16 years who have been involved in offending or antisocial behaviour.

This is achieved by the delivery of a 3 component service:

Restorative Warning

Restorative Conferencing

Restorative Programme 

As well as the above, the service has a specialist 'schools team' who work restoratively with young people encountering difficulty in schools.

In May 2005, the Restorative Justice Service welcomed a visit from HRH The Princess Royal who was keen to find out more about the work being carried out by the service.

The Princess met with all staff and was then introduced to several young people, their parents and victims who have already benefited from the Service.

Nicola McPhee, General Manager was delighted with the Royal visit and said:

"The Princess was impressed by our work and spent time discussing different aspects of the service - she already had a firm grasp of the restorative justice process.  When she met with the young people, her warm approach enabled them to quickly relax and she had some light hearted exchanges with members of the group.  The visit has been a real boost to staff morale".

If you require further information or would like to speak to staff please contact:

Restorative Justice Service
Westergate

11 Hope Street

Glasgow G2 6AB

Phone: 0141 276 7514
E-mail: nicola.mcphee@glasgow.gov.uk