This evaluation examined the process and outcomes of phase three of the ACT's Restorative Justice Scheme including barriers to delivery, activities delivered and outcomes associated with participation. 

There is currently a lack of research evaluating restorative justice (RJ) processes and programs for domestic family violence (DFV) and sexual violence matters. It is understood that this is the first publicly available process and outcome evaluation of an RJ program for both DFV and sexual violence in Australia. This report provides insights and lessons that may serve as a guide for informing the development of future RJ programs in this space.

Findings

• Phase three is working effectively overall. 
• Participants and stakeholders report high levels of satisfaction with phase three and the service they received. 
• There was evidence that victim-survivors could meet a range of justice needs with varying levels of offender participation and accountability. 
• Some areas for improving referrals were identified.

Recommendations

1. The Restorative Justice Unit (RJU) should take steps to increase their capacity and shorten the wait times to access the service. 
2. Ongoing training should be provided to stakeholders involved in the delivery and operation of phase three. 
3. Perceptions that RJ is 'soft justice' should be challenged and addressed among referring entities. 
4. The development of referral guidelines and eligibility criteria beyond offence type and stage of CJS should be considered. 
5. Clearer guidelines and training should be developed to improve understanding about the relationship between RJ and sentencing. 
6. The RJU should work with relevant criminal justice agencies to increase post-sentence referrals to phase three.  
7. Investigate options to work with communities to encourage buy-in to phase three from First Nations and other culturally diverse participants. 
8. The RJU should develop formal disengagement processes to support participants during the post-conference period. 
9. Clearer guidance about how to work with clients where there is an intervention order should be provided to RJU staff. 
10. The RJU should continue to collect data to facilitate ongoing evaluation and improvement.