Whilst participation in a Restorative Justice process or program may be taken into consideration when determining an offender’s parole, this is not the only factor taken into consideration by the Parole Board. The Parole Board is still guided by other rules relating to parole. Participation in Restorative Justice processes or programs, is only one of the many factors taken into consideration by the Parole Board and each case is considered on its own merits. …show more content…
It is however important to note that Restorative Justice can be used as a process even in cases involving violence or dishonesty. What is important is the stage at which the Restorative Justice process is introduced. Each case will have to be carefully considered and an appropriate decision will be made as to whether the Restorative Justice process or program should be introduced before the charge, before the trial, during the trial before sentencing or after the sentence. The role players will also have to decide what the appropriate restorative justice processes or programs are. Petty offences may be diverted without a trial but offences that involve a level of violence may have to involve Restorative Justice Process only before sentencing or after