Government increases focus on restorative justice

Justice Minister Simon Power has announced that Government will increase funding for adult restorative justice by $2 million.

Mr Power said restorative justice helps address the harm done to victims, holds offenders to account for their crimes, and reduces re-offending.

The Ministry of Justice funds restorative justice services prior to sentencing – cases both before a judge and those that have been referred through the Police Adult Diversion Scheme. Judges can refer any case for restorative justice, from lower level offending to very serious charges, where the offender pleads guilty.

The full media release is available at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-increases-focus-restorativ...