RJ4All Calls for Restorative Justice as Solution to Prison Crisis Amidst Systemic Failures Revealed in New Review

LONDON – The Independent Sentencing Review has exposed a severe crisis in the prison system of England and Wales, revealing critical overcrowding and systemic failures that threaten the entire criminal justice framework. Restorative Justice for All International Institute (RJ4All), a leading nonprofit advocating for restorative justice, confirms these findings and urges the urgent adoption of alternative approaches it has long championed.?

"RJ4All welcomes Rt Hon David Gauke’s findings, confirming what we have been saying for years and from evidence. The criminal justice system has been run like a sausage machine with a focus on convincing the press that responsible Ministers were doing their job by being tough. We warned over and over again about the risks of this approach and that it was a matter of time for the system to collapse."

Shared Dr. Theo Gavrielides , Founder and Director of RJ4All.?

The recently published Review paints a stark picture of the current crisis. England and Wales now have the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe, with over 85,000 individuals currently held in the adult prison estate. The prison population has increased by over 40,000 people since 1993, despite an overall decline in headline crime since 2017. The average custodial sentence length has nearly doubled to 21 months, up from 13 months two decades ago.?

Dr. Gavrielides emphasises that successive governments were aware of these risks but failed to find a holistic approach to address the problem. The “tough on crime” approach, which has prioritised incarceration and longer sentences over rehabilitation and alternative justice methods, has made the problem even worse.?

RJ4All’s evidence demonstrates that restorative justice, when properly implemented, reduces re-offending rates, increases victim satisfaction and compensation, empowers communities, and provides effective alternatives to traditional sentencing.?

"We presented evidence of the impact that restorative justice can have on recidivism and victim satisfaction. Our holistic restorative justice approach in South East London has created a scientific framework that can be replicated across the country, providing clear evidence of impact,” says Dr. Gavrielides. “We see the findings of the sentencing review as a unique opportunity and a wake-up call for the new government,” Dr. Gavrielides adds. “This is not the time for blaming. It is time for action as the criminal justice system is on the verge of collapse. The evidence on the effectiveness of short sentences on recidivism is clear."

Restorative justice is neither a soft option nor a practice just for juveniles. RJ4All advocates for evidence-based, safe community-based approaches using the ethos and practice of restorative justice to improve the failing sentencing system.?

“Our arguments were ignored in the past, and where restorative justice was supported, this was done on the condition that certain bodies or government institutions would control it,” … If restorative justice is to be used, then proper investment and support must be provided. We cannot do this alone.” notes Dr. Gavrielides.?

RJ4All’s pilot programme in South East London to establish the world’s first restorative justice postcode, demonstrates how restorative justice principles can be effectively integrated into local justice systems while maintaining high standards of practice.?

RJ4All has developed a holistic restorative justice approach that goes beyond simple victim-offender meetings. Their framework addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of both harmed and harming parties, implements rigorous assessment processes, and promotes community-led initiatives free from standardisation and power abuse. All practices are safe, voluntary, and based on empirical evidence.?

Without intervention, experts project the prison population could reach 112,300 by November 2032, with current prison expansion programmes estimated to cost between ￡9.4 billion and ￡10.1 billion. However, restorative justice’s potential in supporting rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders alongside the formal criminal sentencing system has been largely ignored.?

The review’s next phase, expected in spring 2025, will deliver specific recommendations focused on punishing offenders and protecting the public, encouraging rehabilitation to reduce reoffending, and expanding punishment options outside of prison.?

RJ4All stands ready to support the implementation of these reforms through their evidence-based framework and extensive practical experience in community-led restorative justice initiatives.?