Jamaica: Serious and Complex training to RJ staff, Victim Services and Child Diversion
This is a blog by Colette Selwood, a Restorative Justice and Safeguarding Trainer at Alpha1 Training and Consultancy Services.
On 10th October for 4 days, Helen Lord, Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service, and I travelled to Jamaica to deliver Serious and Complex Restorative Justice training to the Restorative Justice, Victim Services and Child Diversion staff. This was our second trip to the island.
Last year, the Honourable Delroy Chuck, QC, MP, Minister of Justice, said it was his ambition for every corner of Jamaica to know Restorative Justice, and this vision is being fulfilled. The Ministry of Justice in Jamaica puts huge investments in the Restorative Justice service with 19 centres servicing the people of Jamaica. They have Victim Services and are now developing their Child Diversion Service. Pre-court to post court, people who commit crime are routinely offered Restorative Justice. Victims are being heard and having the opportunity to engage in Restorative Justice.
Would it not be great if the Island of Great Britain followed the footsteps of Jamaica and the vision of the Jamaican Minister of Justice!