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Our Vision & Mission

The European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ) is an international network organisation connecting members active in the field of restorative justice as practitioners, academics and policy makers throughout Europe and beyond. We promote research, policy and practice development so that every person may have access to high quality restorative justice services, at any time and in any case. Our main focus is on the application of restorative justice to criminal matters but other areas, such as family, school and community mediation, are not excluded.
The EFRJ does not defend any one ‘best practice’ model of restorative justice, but recognises that restorative justice is an evolving approach. However, it is essential that any restorative service should be based on core restorative values and principles and should adhere to standards of good practice.  Learn more about our recommendations for values and standards of restorative practices.  →

Our general aim is to contribute to

The development of high-quality restorative justice throughout Europe.

To achieve this aim we

  • Promote international information exchange and mutual assistance
  • Promote the development of effective restorative justice policies, services and legislation
  • Explore and develop the theoretical basis of restorative justice
  • Stimulate research
  • Assist in the development of principles, ethics, training and good practice
  • Pursue other objectives determined by the General Meeting
  • Promote dialogue between practitioners, policymakers and researchers (including students)
  • Support public education that increases awareness about issues for victims, offenders and the community
  • Make representation to and liaise with European and international institutions or organisations, including the Council of Europe, the European Union and relevant non-governmental organisations
  • Raise, hold and administer funds in furtherance of its work
  • Work to ensure that practice and research inform and support each other, and that these both inform and support policy making, which then informs the work of practitioners

Our principle include

  • Openness and respect
  • A willingness to learn from all members
  • Providing opportunities for the expression of diverse points of view
  • Providing channels for participation, exchange, mutual support and contact