Social Welfare and Restorative Justice

Social work and restorative justice are both notoriously difficult approaches to define (Zehr and Toews, 2004; Brand et al, 2005). They are underpinned by numerous social and psychological theories and a plethora of practice interventions (Adams et al, 2002; Liebman, 2007). A focus on Human Rights and the tenets of Social Justice underpin these approaches along with focusing on empowerment and anti oppressive and anti discriminatory practices (Cox and Pawar, 2006; Family Rights Group). They seek to engage with marginalised and excluded individuals and groups and have sought to address change at both a structural and individual level (Davis, 1994; Sullivan and Tift, 2001; Mullaly, 2007).