Discovering Balance
Abstracts - Restorative justice stream
Session 3 Breakout 1, 1.30-3.30pm, Robertson Theatre - Chair: Guy Hall.
Question time is included at the end of the breakout session
Restorative Justice in prison: "The Belgian Model." From experiment to RJ prison management
Mr. Paul Dauwe (Department of Corrective Services, Belgium)
In 1996, The Belgian Minister of Justice took the entire Belgian penitentiary world by surprise, including restorative justice in the mission of the Department of Corrective Services. In 2008 RJ has become one of the leading principles of the "Penal Law" regulating the legal position of prisoners, and the notion of RJ has achieved a prominent place in the current operation of the Belgian Prison Administration. In this contribution we will evaluate this evolution in a critical way, verifying if the theoretical concept has a real impact on prison practice. We will also discuss obstacles and difficulties that had to be addressed, e.g.; the role of the RJ consultant, staff selection and training, the availability of concrete RJ activities, and the political and broader community concerns. Finally we will illustrate this presentation with a number of concrete actions that are being carried out in various Belgian prisons.
Session 3, Breakout 1
Date & Time: Thursday 2 October (1.30pm)
Location: Robertson Theatre
Blessed are the peace makers - the effectiveness of the Sycamore Tree Project (STP)
Mr Michael Cockram (Prison Fellowship Australia Inc)
STP brings together victims and serving prisoners who are usually not related in short term community to examine issues of accountability / repentance / forgiveness / reconciliation / restitution. Prison levels the playing field by institutional victimisation of offenders resulting in similar disadvantage/damage. Acknowledging truth on both sides brings understanding/ acceptance and degree of healing. Rules translate to any situation of human hurt.Society has yet to address consequences of institutional victimisation of a vast underclass or indeed to address any victimisation sufficiently seriously.
Session 3, Breakout 1
Date & Time: Thursday 2 October (1.50pm)
Location: Robertson Theatre
Restorative Justice, Theory to Practice in a West Australian Prison
Mr Andy Beck (Director, SERCO Acacia Prison WA)
This paper will explore the principals of Restorative Justice in a correctional setting. The author will discuss how those principals can and have been applied in a large prison in Western Australia. Discussion will include the role of staff and prisoners, systems and processes, Education and Programs, and the link to successful rehabilitation and reintegration.
Session 3, Breakout 1
Date & Time: Thursday 2 October (2.10pm)
Location: Robertson Theatre