South Yorkshire Restorative Justice Service

Description

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is looking to commission a Restorative Justice Service. Following the Mayoral election in May 2024, the Mayor took on the functions of the Police and Crime Commissioner. These functions include listening to the needs of communities, securing victim support services, setting the objectives for the police force, and holding the Chief Constable to account. The SYMCA is looking to commission a Restorative Justice Service, embracing the concept of: Bringing those harmed by crime, and those responsible for that harm, into communication with each other. This service can offer victims the opportunity to be heard, to ask questions of the offender, and to have their say in the resolution, including agreeing rehabilitative or reparative activity for the offender with the victim, following direct contact between them. It can provide a means of closure and enable the victim to move on. It has a proven, significant impact in supporting victims in achieving closure by allowing them to move on with their lives. Restorative Justice also provides an opportunity for offenders to face the consequences of their actions, recognise the impact that it has had upon others and where possible make amends. In this way, Restorative Justice has the potential to help rehabilitate offenders and enable them to stop / reduce offending. Restorative Justice can be used for any type of crime and at any stage of the criminal justice process including alongside a prison sentence.