What happens next?

After you have contacted us, we will listen to what you have said and look to see if there is a way forward to improve things through restorative justice.

If the harmer can be identified, we will approach them to see if they are willing to enter into a conversation with us. We will explain the restorative justice process and answer any questions they may have.

They may need time to think about what has been said. In these instances, we leave the offer of communicating open to them.

People can also change their minds. Sometimes, when someone has had said, ‘yes’, later they may say they are unsure. This is part of the process that we help manage, giving emotional support and guidance along the way.

Quite often, cases move slowly allowing all parties to come to terms with their feelings and emotions. Time is also needed to gather information and make sure that any risks are understood and manged in a safe, risk-free way and that common ground is always maintained.

If there is common agreement, communication will happen either directly, via face-to-face meetings, or indirectly in the form of letter writing or shuttle mediation. In both cases, our Restorative Justice Practitioners will provide a safe environment for contact to take place.

Throughout the whole journey, we will provide emotional support and guidance and answer any concerns that you may have.