NCJ Number
209596
Date Published
January 2005
Length
110 pages
Annotation
This report presents evaluation findings from the Rotorua Second Chance Community-Managed Restorative Justice Programme in New Zealand.
Abstract
Community-Managed Restorative Justice Programmes are offered widely throughout New Zealand since the Crime Prevention Unit funded three trial programs in 1996. Evaluations of two current programs were undertaken to assess their effectiveness and to inform future development of these programs. Another area under evaluation was the extent to which programs met the needs of Maori populations, in particular. One of the programs selected for evaluation was the Rotorua Second Chance program so that best practice principles for community-based restorative justice programs using tikanga-based practices could be identified. The outcomes of the evaluation are presented in this report, as are the strengths of the program and areas for future development. The report describes the program’s history, its management structure, resources and funding, roles of staff, the referral process, and the restorative justice process. Evaluators found that the program failed to meet its first objective of reducing re-offending among participants; 1-year reconviction rates were similar for program participants and non-participants. The program met its second and third objectives of securing participation of community members and victims. The fourth objective of securing sanctions with a restorative impact was also met. Moreover, Maori representatives were integrally involved as program managers, staff, and as victims and offenders. Areas for improvement are highlighted, including ensuring that victims are kept informed of the offender’s progress with their restorative plan. Tables, figures, appendixes