Wrexham Youth Justice Service is committed to the needs of victims.
If you have been a victim of crime committed by a child or young person that the police are pursuing either an out-of-court (Bureau) disposal for, or a charge, you will be asked if you consent to sharing your information with the Youth Justice Service.
If you consent, the Youth Justice Service’s Restorative Justice & Victim Liaison Officer (RJVLO) will keep you updated and informed on the case.
What is restorative justice?
Restorative justice can empower victims by giving them a voice, and helps those who have caused harm to take responsibility and make amends.
Restorative justice could involve a conference, as an example - where a victim meets the person who has caused the harm face to face. However, when a face to face meeting is not the best method for everyone involved, communication might be made via letters or ‘shuttle mediation’ instead.
Any involvement in a restorative justice process will always be voluntary for the victim.
Sharing your viewpoint
The RJVLO will complete a victim personal statement where needed. This assessment will identify:
- your perception of harm
- the impact of the incident
- your sense of safety and well-being
If you have expressed interest in restorative justice conferencing or other direct restorative interventions, the RJVLO with work closely with everyone involved to:
- consider the viability and safety of a preferred intervention, as well as whether any extra support is needed
- arrange any shuttle mediation (where you are in a different room to the person who committed the crime and a mediator goes between each room and communicates on your behalf)
- arrange any referrals that may be needed before conferencing can take place
Signposting
You will also be provided with guidance and support about relevant universal and specialist support services you can access. This may include letting you know about where you can find information about:
- the regional victim support service
- civil legal processes
- 3rd sector support agencies
- health and social care services
- the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (external link)