Vandals make good their damage

Simon Corbell is celebrating some restorative justice in getting vandals to fix what they’ve done:

“In July 2011, seven young people used hand tools and a chainsaw to cut down trees and damage park furniture at Kambah Pool and Tharwa Sandwash,” said Mr Corbell.

“After a tip-off from a member of the public, police were led to the young offenders who were then referred to the government’s youth rehabilitation program within the Restorative Justice Unit.

“The offenders, their parents and ACT rangers were given an opportunity to discuss the implications of the vandalism through the restorative justice program and as result offered to assemble new picnic tables, collect rubbish and plant new trees.

…

“Instead of sending kids to jail, this is an education-based program that aims to create attitude and behaviour change and target the recidivism that is too often associated with crime.

“In this case, the young people accepted the severity of their actions and were willing to be fully accountable through an apology and made a financial donation to the They also undertook voluntary work with the rangers.”