5: ADVANCING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN OFFENDER MANAGEMENT

This paper introduces a restorative justice approach based on four values in strengthening offender management. Restorative justice is a theory of justice that focuses on addressing a crime or a conflict committed by an offender, by involving the victim and related stakeholders. In Singapore, restorative justice is adapted in the management of young offenders, notably in the Youth Court. Globally, restorative justice practices are incorporated in schools, prisons, offender-based institutions and commercial organisations. In 2015, a study looked into the potential of restorative justice in five commercial organisations situated in Singapore. That study analysed the use of values in the development of a compliant work environment. The values described by the leaders were aligned with the values underpinning restorative justice approaches. According to the leaders, a value-based compliance management system provided better outcomes compared with a punitive approach. Based on the outcome of that study, this paper highlights incorporating the values related with restorative justice in the development of a robust offender management framework.