‘I would have been able to hear what they think’: Tensions in achieving restorative outcomes in the English Youth Justice System

Alex Newbury

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    This article presents findings from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with young offenders and Victim Liaison Officers, and observations of youth offender panels. It focuses upon the perceptions of young offenders towards victims and their reactions to the prospect of meeting the victim of their offending face-to-face as part of their referral order. Significant tensions between the aspirations of restorative justice and the reality of present practice in the English system are examined. The article proposes change in relation to justice disposals for incipient young offenders, particularly in relation to the ubiquitous use of restorative justice approaches for this group.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)250-265
    Number of pages22
    JournalYouth Justice: An International Journal
    Volume11
    Issue number3
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Keywords

    • restorative justice, victims, young offenders, family conferencing, referral orders

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