Description
Abstract
Purpose – This research aims to explore the issues facing staff when facilitating RJ with victims and offenders who have a mental disorder (MD) such as problems , recommendations for policy and further research. As this report is being written, the researcher is not aware of any research specifically examining RJ with victims and offenders with MD.
Design/methodology/approach – This was an exploratory study employing a qualitative methodology. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. There were six participants in total, two managers and four facilitators from the police and an independent RJ Charity. These participants completed a semi-structured interview or a questionnaire.
Findings – Five main themes were drawn from the data; Challenges, Policy and Procedure, Preparation with sub-themes Psychological Preparation and Management and Risk, Professional communication and Working Agreements which included sub themes of Confidentiality, Multi-Agency Working and Sharing of Information and finally Solutions and Future Directions.
Research limitations/implications –The findings offer areas for further research. The use of the qualitative approach and small sample means that replication with other RJ organizations may be limited.
Practical implications – The paper includes implications for further research and policy development
Key words: Restorative Justice, mental disorder, policy implications
