Transcript
DECLAN MCGEOWN
I'm Declan McGeown, chief executive of the Youth Justice Agency. Restorative practices is at the heart of all that we do. Indeed during restorative justice week, which is an internationally recognised event we're hoping to showcase the great work that we do with our young people who offend, the victims, and the wider community in which they live.
It provides young people with an opportunity to play an active part in the resolution and repair of the harm caused by their actions. But importantly, it also gives victims a much-needed voice that is sometimes absent from the traditional justice process. Communities too can benefit from the reparation work undertaken, which can often help restore broken relationships.
Restorative practice within the Youth Justice Agency also extends beyond the innovative youth conference process. We deliver workshops in schools and children's homes about the benefits in working through problems and issues restoratively. And how this approach delivers long lasting-results. The agency also works restoratively with young people and their families in addressing relationship difficulties, and with communities in supporting reintegration where perhaps relationships have broken down.
As chief executive, I'm immensely proud of the commitment and passion of our staff who firmly believe that through restorative working, we can change behaviours and help young people relate better to each other.