How We Help Offenders

A restorative justice conference is an informal meeting facilitated between the victim, offender, support people, and any other approved people, such as community representatives or interpreters. At a conference, you’ll have the chance to:

• take responsibility for your offending
• apologise to your victim
• decide how to put right the harm you’ve caused
• find ways to make sure you don’t reoffend.

A trained facilitator will be at the conference to keep everyone safe and supported and to make sure the discussion stays on track. Restorative justice takes place before you’re sentenced in court.

The judge may consider any agreements made during the conference at the time you’re sentenced.

Talk to your lawyer if you want to know more about restorative justice.

Restorative justice services are run by community-based groups that are contracted by the Ministry of Justice. Māori providers are available in many areas.

Restorative Justice conference is an informal, facilitated meeting between a victim, and an offender, with support people, and any other approved people, such as community representatives or interpreters.

Restorative justice is a voluntary process that aims to bring the victims and offenders together to address the harm that has occurred.