The situation today

Restorative justice has now become a well-founded practice in a good number of European countries. In some places volunteers play an important role as facilitators in daily restorative practice, whereas in other countries the intervention is highly professionalised. Diversity is equally shown in the type of relationship that the restorative justice programmes have with the criminal justice system: from exclusively system-based to primarily community based. The practice – contrary to common belief – does not in any way remain limited to property or less serious offences. Although the focus of restorative justice in some European countries is still predominantly on juveniles, the application in general criminal law is gaining more and more acceptance. Restorative justice experiences in the successive stages of the criminal justice process, also after sentencing, are growing. The latter refers to the increasing trend of supporting victims’ rights and promoting restitution and redress as eminent principles of criminal justice in general. At the same time, efforts are made in many countries to improve or restore the relationship between civil society and the justice system, and therefore it is of utmost importance that restorative justice practices are well embedded in society at large, that they can operate according to its own principles and values, and that they can contribute to realising social justice. In more and more countries, restorative justice programmes affiliate with restorative practices in schools, neighbourhoods, work places and other environments. These are unique settings where all kinds of disputes, tension and confrontation between people offer fertile soil to learn how to look at conflict in different ways and how to acquire new skills to respond as responsible citizens in democratic societies. 

Both research and practice convincingly demonstrate the added value of restorative justice. Mediation, conferences and circles do support victims, offenders and communities in ‘doing justice’ in a more effective and humane way. However, this is only true if the principles of restorative justice are respected and the process adheres to high practice standards. In the future, more expertise has to be developed in understanding which factors make restorative practice effective – or less effective - in certain cases. Other important challenges are to remedy the under-use of restorative justice opportunities in various countries and to expand the field of application to less conventional types of crime and injustices.