2011 & 2013 versions no longer available online, see current version, Issue 2, 2019

Update: See Restorative justice: Practice standards for family violence cases (issue 2, August 2019) (#7249).

In 2004 the Ministry of Justice published ‘Restorative Justice in New Zealand: Best Practice in New Zealand', updated in 2011 (#5084). A new 'Best practice framework' (#5611) was subsequently published in 2017. The principles, values and processes described in this publication have been used as best practice guides and have provided a framework for services across all referral types. The statement of restorative justice values and processes which formed the second half of the 2004 document is available on the Ministry of Justice website.

It was noted in the guidelines that ‘the use of restorative justice processes in cases of family violence and sexual violence must be very carefully considered’. Risks and general principles of practice are identified, but no specific guidance given on how to safely manage referrals of this nature.

These standards recognise the additional safeguards and processes needed when dealing with family violence. The ministry wishes to acknowledge the work of restorative justice providers in developing models of practice for working safely with family violence referrals and thanks them for their assistance in the development of these standards. (From the document). For more information about restorative justice in New Zealand, follow the website link. Record #5609

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