Earlier this year we recruited two new Restorative Justice officers to cover Shropshire and Telford, Paul Bentley and Danielle Hough. Together they work with children at a variety of different projects across Shropshire to make amends “repair the harm” caused by offending behaviour. Most of this work is indirect reparation, although there are times when other restorative justice outcomes are also achieved e.g. letters of explanation, direct restorative justice etc.
Over the past few months, we have been building our portfolio of available projects and there are others also in the pipeline.
- Salvation Army Donation Centre and Shop
- Harlescott Grange community hub
- Watery Lane Allotment and Leisure Garden
- Newport Cemetery
- Newport Coronation Orchard Gardens
- Newport in Bloom Flower Box Displays
Child M is 17years old and was referred to WMYJS in September 2023 by the Court. He had not been known to our service before and was eventually sentenced to a 12 month Referral order. As part of his Referral order contract, it was agreed that Child M would complete 48hours indirect reparation. Initially Child M attended two sessions at the Workshop in Telford and then more recently he has been completing his hours in the local community with Paul Bentley. Child M has completed 39hours and below are some pictures of the work he has been doing.
Working on the allotment in Newport
Before…
During…
And Afterwards…
Working at the Food Bank
Before…
During…
And Afterwards…
Child M was extremely engaging and he is a pleasure to work with. He worked very hard and was rewarded by the foodbank staff with a coffee and pack of biscuits. During our sessions together we have talked about a wide range of different topics and Child M always engages really well. My goodness this young man had a great work ethic.
Child M reported that the work was ‘good’ and he did find it enjoyable. He said Paul and Dani were really helpful and he was surprised when they both worked with him. Child M said that he expected Paul and Dani to watch him but they both worked hard alongside him which made him feel involved.
Child M was a little apprehensive prior to starting his reparation due to not knowing what to expect. Paul and Dani met Child M prior to their initial session to introduce themselves and explain the nature of the work that they would be completing with him. This instantly put Child M at ease and it eliminated any apprehension that he had. Paul has also kept myself informed of the progress that Child M has made during his reparation sessions and he has sent me photographs which I was able to print off to show the community panel member at Child M’s Referral Order review panel. Child M’s mother was also present at the panel and she asked if she could take the photo’s home with her to show Child M’s father how hard he had worked. Child M was very proud of the work he had completed and he was pleased that this was acknowledged by the Community Panel member and his family.
