Less Than 300 Child-Related RJ Case Conferences Last Fiscal Year

The Restorative Justice (RJ) Branch in the Justice Ministry is making strides in diverting children away from the criminal justice system with fewer than 300 RJ case conferences involving children held up to the end of the 2023/24 fiscal year.

Addressing a recent JIS Think Tank, Director of the RJ Branch, Joanalee Robertson, said that the low number of child-related cases demonstrates the effectiveness of the work being undertaken by the Social Justice Division, which also includes the Child Diversion and Victim Services branches.

“It indicates that the efforts of my sister branches are working in terms of either diverting children through child diversion or supporting children to prevent recidivism or victims becoming offenders. Whereas we would have done over 2,300 case conferences, less than 300 of them involve children,” she said.

“I think that is good because restorative justice is reactive; it is when the harm has already been done. So having so little conferences involving children indicates that for the most part, there are successful measures to prevent them (children) from interacting with the formal justice system and reaching the point where an additional charge has been laid against them,” she contended.

Ms. Robertson noted that proactive measures such as the restorative practices training programme, which is being introduced in schools across the country, have also contributed to the reduction in child-related cases and the number of children with criminal records.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education and Youth in February for the continuation of the programme.

As the country observes Child Month in May, the RJ Director has reaffirmed the Branch’s commitment to equipping the nation’s children with the necessary tools and skills to peacefully resolve conflicts and repair any harm caused.

“The Restorative Justice Branch is committed, not just for this month, to supporting, empowering and protecting the children of Jamaica. To this extent, we are encouraging persons to utilise our services. They are free [and] we have 20 centres all across the country, so there is at least one centre in every parish. We also want for our key stakeholders to continue to support the delivery of our restorative practices trainings and workshops within our schools,” Ms. Robertson said.

The theme for Child Month 2024 is ‘Stand Up! Speak Up! Protect The Rights Of Our Children’.

For more information on how to access the services of the RJ Branch or to apply to become a restorative justice facilitator, contact (876) 908-5527 or the Ministry of Justice’s toll-free line at 888-JUSTICE (888-587-8423) or visit their website at www.moj.gov.jm.