Why me?’s “National Conversation” attracts a wide audience
Why me? held a really successful online conference on March 3rd 2021, attracting 90 attendees from across the country.
The “National Conversation” event centred on Out of Court Disposals, sentencing reform and Restorative Justice. As well as hearing from Why me?, attendees heard from external speakers from the Centre for Justice Innovation, the Ministry of Justice and Transform Justice.
We covered a number of key subjects, including:
- The steps some forces have taken to reduce the impact of the court backlog exacerbated by COVID-19.
- The Government proposal for all forces to move to a two tier Out of Court Disposal framework.
- The upcoming sentencing bill, following the Government’s White Paper. We learned that this bill may not reference Restorative Justice, but that the intention is still for restorative processes to be fully supported.
- Transform Justice research on Out of Court Disposals and diversion.
- Centre for Justice Innovation research on reforming Out of Court Disposals.
Rob Goodrum-Ward and George Barrow from the Ministry of Justice reflected that “there were some good takeaways and healthy challenges from our not for profit partners”.
Why me? have produced a good practice guide highlighting the quick wins and good practice that forces have implemented regarding out of court disposals and Restorative Justice.
The event was recorded. If you are interested in accessing this, please email us on info@why-me.org
Read more about our rapid review of Out of Court Disposals.