Norwich Christian justice initiatives examined
 Norwich Christian magistrate John Myhill has just completed a report for Transforming Norwich on local Christian initiatives on Police liaison and the criminal justice system.
Women:
Report by Baroness Corston on vulnerable Women in the Criminal Justice system and the Government’s response December 2007. The report is excellent, thorough and detailed. Its 43 practical recommendations could become practice tomorrow, but the government's response is largely evasive, setting up further committees and consultations.
Christians might wish to become involved in the East of England "Together Women Programme" which already seeks a "one stop shop" approach to the complex needs of women. or to become involved in supporting their local court diversion scheme, which can deal with mental health problems, without adding the trauma of court appearances.
Young People:
Norfolk is leading the way with Restorative Approaches Strategic (RASG) and Operational (RAOG) Groups; which have been going for 15 months. This is a multi-agency initiative led by Norfolk Constabulary, using Restorative Justice approaches.
Christians see Restorative Justice in terms of the Prodigal Son. Practically this means recognising the potential for change in young offenders.
Structured meetings between young offenders and victims of crime, have proven successful in enabling offenders to recognise the hurt they have caused and to offer reparation. Christians can take pride in Transforming Norwich's own project "Street Pastors" which grows ever stronger, protecting young people from the hazards of nightclub life.
Sex Offenders:
Circles of Support and Accountability is a national scheme, begun in Thames Valley in 2002, whereby some of the worst offenders can agree to the monitoring and support of a circle of five or six trained volunteers, to assist him avoid further offending.
Circles had a 100% success rate, when it was introduced into Norfolk in 2007 ( www.quaker.org.uk/circles) This is a Christian initiative working to protect women and children.
Prostitution:
The Magdalene Group has been working in Norwich for 18 years. (98% drug and alcohol dependence, 70% mental health issues, 40% self-harm) It is part of National Christian Alliance on Prostitution which has 4000 volunteers in 43 groups. These are the people working to prevent the modern slave trade, importing women from poorer countries.
We men are still the problem, still as much in need of education, as when Jesus wrote upon the ground and asked that the man without sin should throw the first stone.
Norfolk Ecumenical Criminal Justice Forum:
Policing:
We are very fortunate to have a chief constable with a determination that police should work closely with local communities. Crime in Norfolk is coming down. It is one of the safest places to live in the UK, yet fear of crime remains high.
Christians know that the Good Samaritan takes risks, but by doing this, a safer world develops. Norfolk Constabulary wish to increase their volunteers from 300 to 1000. We face our fears, by becoming involved in our communities.
Excessive legislation:
 There have been 14 Criminal Justice Acts in the last 10 years - as much new law as in the previous 100 years. Christians remember the words: "The letter killeth, only the Spirit giveth Light".
The real causes of crime are poor housing, poor education and unemployment. A little compassion expressed in these areas, is worth an infinity of "Thou shalt Nots". www.theforgivenessproject.com
If you have any information or comments to add to this report, please contact John Myhill (pictured above) by post via the Quaker Meeting house, Goat Lane, Norwich.
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