Naomi Long

The Restorative Justice Council’s second annual Belfast conference had the theme of “Breaking the Cycle” and provided a platform to leading experts and those working in the field to raise the profile of restorative justice, along with restorative practice more generally.

In her opening address, Mrs Long said: “Restorative justice is all about repairing harm, building relationships and reducing offending. We know it can bring significant benefits not only for victims of crime but also perpetrators, as well as their wider families and communities.

“It is important that we encourage all those who have the levers at their disposal to consider the development of restorative practice as an early intervention in schools and communities, before individuals come into contact with the criminal justice system.

“Unfortunately, some will enter the system, and we must consider how best to address the needs of all those affected — the victim, perpetrator and community.”

She added: “Through restorative justice positive and impactful outcomes can be achieved, including the work under the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy.

“However, its successful development can only be delivered through effective partnerships and good working relationships.

“The organisations and individuals involved are key to this and I hope that our connections are strengthened so that together we can produce the best outcomes for all who are affected by wrongdoing and crime.”

Among those attending the conference were representatives from the Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, members of community-based restorative justice organisations (Northern Ireland Alternatives and Community Restorative Justice Ireland) as well as the Probation Board for Northern Ireland and the Education Authority.