The problem

Traditionally, criminologists have used psychology and other sciences to understand and reduce violence by focusing on the negative traits that lead adults and young people to harm and antisocial behaviour. This approach is encapsulated in the Risk Need Responsivity (RNR) model of rehabilitation. This approach is failing at practical, policy, political and financial levels internationally (Gavrielides, 2015; 2022). Similarly, existing approaches to prevent the risks associated with the phenomena of violent radicalisation, intolerance and hate are constructed within the same failing model. Developed in the 1980s by Andrews, Bonta and Hope (1990), RNR’s focus is on reducing and managing "risk". Pathology-focused interventions have consequently been developed including the punitive approach of the current justice system. According to Maruna (2006) and Gavrielides (2013; 2015; 2021), concentrating on criminogenic needs is not a sufficient condition when it comes to building psychosocial resilience against the factors that lead to violence and harm including extremism. McAdams (1994; 2006) argues that integration and relatedness are crucial in encouraging desistance from violence, intolerance and radicalisation. 

Our innovative approach: The RJiNEAR model

Clearly a fresh and complementary approach is needed. At RJ4All, we do not use terms such as “victim” or “offender”. We adopt the restorative justice principles of power-sharing and equality to focus on empowering the individual to heal themselves and their community. We see our beneficiaries as a group of talents whom we support, while being aware of their needs and realities.

As a response to the practical, financial and policy gaps created by the RNR approach, we constructed the RJiNEAR model of resilience, crime prevention and control. The model was first articulated in 2017 by Professor Tunariu (Tunariu, Boniwell & Rufon, 2017) and Bonwell & Tunariu (2019). Subsequently, RJ4All Founder and Director, Professor Theo Gavrielides advanced the model using restorative justice (Gavrielides, 2015; 2022).

This resulted in the RJiNEAR model meaning "Restorative Justice through: I, myself, New Knowledge about myself, Emotional intelligence, Awareness of values, of options, of choice and Responding with growth ‘in spite of …’

Our model understand resilience as a capacity that can be expanded. It can be developed through interactions between an individual’ internal assets, guided responses to environmental variables, and repertoires of protective factors (Luthar et al., 2000). The model was designed to tap on such interactions. Its overreaching Theory of Change is transformation through participation. RJiNEAR uses psychosocial interventions, aiming to increase resilience and prevent anti-social behaviour. Instead of “managing” people as “risks” (Risk Need Responsivity), the model focuses on promoting talents and strengths and through this approach help develop positive identities. This approach is captured as the Good Lives Model (GLM), but enhanced and articulated through the values and practices of restorative justice including power sharing, dialogue, fairness, equality and autonomy. The model works towards a positive, growth-oriented change in life where a person at risk works on the development of the values, skills and resources towards life based on human goods. The model also draws on community power and community involvement in proving a holistic approach to preventing extremist ideologies and indeed violent actions motivated by hate and extremism. Some of Gavrielides' thinking can be unpacked in this paper It is also the foundation of the book "Offenders no More".

Building on success
The model forms part of RJ4All's wider programme "Preventing & Addressing Violent Radicalisation and Extremism". Several publications, videos, handbooks and manuals have been produced as a result of this model.

RJiNEAR  has been tested through various pilots with direct interventions in formal and informal settings. In particular, the model was first piloted in 2016 at Abbey College involving a sample of 350 young people aged 11 and 12 (Tunariu, Boniwell & Rufon, 2017). In 2020, RJ4All carried out a community-based pilot in Southwark called "My Voice – My Future". This was funded by Southwark Council, and provided new evidences that turned the RNR approach on its head. Subsequently, RJ4All delivered the European Commission funded projects Restorative Dialogue Against Violent Radicalisation (RDaVR) and Mobilizing against extremism through countering and diverting radicalization of young people (RADEX). Both these European projects, were built on Gavrielides' 3 year pilots of the model in 7 European countries. These pilots were carried out as part of the YEIP project and led to a series of scientific publications and books. A summary of other projects, training programmes and initiatives that resulted from the RJiNEAR programme can be found below.

RJiNEAR-based projects, courses, training handbooks and publications