Welcome to Resolution, the official podcast of the Restorative Justice Council! In this episode, we explore the empirical foundations of restorative justice and examine the potential impact of introducing restorative justice into our prison system.
Join Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the Restorative Justice Council, and Dr Katherine Doolin from the University of Auckland, as they delve into critical questions such as: Could restorative prisons lead to decreased recidivism rates? Can they alleviate the mounting pressures on our already strained prison system?
Together, we’ll review what research indicates about the effects of restorative practices within prison environments. We’ll also discuss any existing gaps in the evidence and what steps must be taken to address them. We’ll share valuable insights gained from our engagements within various prison settings, highlighting significant benefits we’ve observed along the way.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges traditional views and uncovers the potential of restorative justice to create meaningful change within our prison systems. Whether you’re a criminal justice professional, policymaker, restorative practitioner, or simply interested in contemporary approaches to justice, this episode is a must-listen!
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Season Two - Episode Five
Welcome to Resolution, the official podcast of the Restorative Justice Council! In this episode, we delve into the exciting possibilities for developing restorative justice within the prison system, a concept that can reshape how justice is understood and implemented behind bars.
Join Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the Restorative Justice Council, and Dr Katherine Doolin from the University of Auckland as we investigate the key opportunities that exist for embedding restorative practices in prisons and discuss specific processes where restorative justice might be effective.
As the UK prison system faces unprecedented pressures, we’ll candidly address questions surrounding the feasibility of implementing restorative justice within prison when staff are already stretched thin.
We’ll also tackle the common public perception that prisons are primarily for punishment. Is restorative justice just a softer alternative that allows offenders to escape true accountability? We’ll provide compelling insights into why a restorative approach could positively impact crime rates and reduce re-offending, emphasising the potential benefits for individuals and communities alike.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional notions of justice and explores how restorative practices can create a more humane and effective prison environment. Whether you’re a criminal justice professional, a restorative practitioner, an advocate for reform, or an engaged listener, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the future of restorative justice in our prisons. Tune in and discover the transformative potential within our correctional systems!
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Season Two - Episode Four
Welcome to another insightful episode of Resolution, the official podcast of the Restorative Justice Council! In this discussion, we delve into the transformative concept of restorative culture and its potential for reshaping prison environments.
Join Jim Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Restorative Justice Council, and Dr Katherine Doolin from the University of Auckland as we unpack what transformative restorative culture really means, and whether there's a universal strategy for implementing it within prison systems.
Throughout the episode, we’ll explore essential questions: How can both staff and prisoners contribute to fostering a restorative culture? And importantly, can the benefits of this approach extend beyond prison walls, influencing communities and societal perceptions of justice?
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that offers fresh perspectives on creating a more humanising and rehabilitative framework in correctional settings. Whether you're a criminal justice professional, a restorative practitioner, a social justice advocate, or just curious about innovative justice models, this episode is sure to inspire and inform!
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Season Two - Episode Three
Welcome to another episode of Resolution, the official podcast of the Restorative Justice Council! In this episode, we dive into the deeply personal experiences of Paula and Wes, who share their unique journeys of accessing restorative justice within a prison setting.
We’re joined by Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the Restorative Justice Council, and Dr Katherine Doolin from the University of Auckland alongside Paula and Wes. Paula will recount her challenges in navigating the complexities of the restorative justice process, while Wes will share the positive outcomes he experienced.
Together, we’ll discuss what prisons can learn from Paula's experience, identifying key areas that need improvement to better facilitate victims’ access to restorative justice. We’ll also reflect on the factors that contributed to Wes's successful engagement with restorative justice whilst in prison and what steps can be taken to replicate that success for others in similar situations.
This episode promises to provide invaluable insights for anyone interested in understanding the practical implications of restorative justice within the prison system. Join us as we hear from two people with living experience of restorative justice and explore how these firsthand experiences can inform and inspire future restorative initiatives, ultimately fostering a more rehabilitative environment within our prisons. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling and the transformative potential of restorative justice!
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Season Two - Episode Two
Welcome to Resolution, the official podcast of the Restorative Justice Council! In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the current restorative initiatives underway in our prisons and the challenges faced in embedding restorative justice into the prison culture.
We’re joined by Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the Restorative Justice Council, and Dr Katherine Doolin from the University of Auckland. Together, we’ll explore the vast potential of restorative approaches within various prison settings and discuss whether certain types of prisoners or facilities are more conducive to these methods. We’ll tackle critical questions such as: How does the type of prisoner—be it young adults or adults—impact the effectiveness of restorative justice? What differences arise when working with remand versus sentenced prisoners, or in high security versus open prison environments?
We’ll also delve into the political landscape of the UK and explore the current appetite among policymakers for adopting restorative practices, and what steps must be taken at the governmental level to empower prison governors to implement a different approach.
Whether you’re a professional in the field of criminal justice, a restorative practitioner, or simply interested in the transformative potential of restorative practices, this episode provides valuable insights into the ongoing journey toward making prisons more restorative. Tune in and learn how we can collectively work towards a more just and rehabilitative prison system!
Welcome to the official podcast from the Restorative Justice Council. The Council was formed in 1998 as an independent third sector membership body for the field of restorative practice and the national voice advocating the widespread use of all forms of restorative practice, including restorative justice. We primarily operate across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Our role is to set and champion clear standards for restorative practice whilst also raising the public awareness and confidence in restorative processes.
New Zealand