Note: the Restorative justice: Practice framework (#5611) and the Restorative justice: Practice standards for famly violence cases were last updated in August 2019. These standards for sexual offending case are still current (4/8/21). Check the information for service providers webpage for updates.The Restorative justice service is currently under review by MoJ, follow the link for updates.
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 new standards recognise the additional safeguards and processes needed when dealing with sexual offending cases. In order to maximise the chances of healing for all parties, and minimise the chance of the process itself inadvertently causing harm, further consideration needs to be given to the psychological needs of the victim/survivor and the person who caused the harm (hereafter referred to as the offender), the psychological components of the harming behaviour, its impact on surrounding community such as family and the impact of cultural beliefs about sexual violence. (From the document). For more information about restorative justice in New Zealand, follow the website link. Record #5610

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