The EFRJ focuses on the application of restorative justice to criminal matters but other areas, such as family, school and community mediation, are not excluded.

The EFRJ does not defend any one ‘best practice’ model of restorative justice, but recognises that restorative justice is an evolving approach.

The general aim of the EFRJ is to contribute to:

• The development and establishment of victim-offender mediation and other restorative justice practices throughout Europe.

To achieve this aim, the EFRJ:

• Promotes international information exchange and mutual assistance
• Promotes the development of effective restorative justice policies, services and legislation
• Explores and develops the theoretical basis of restorative justice
• Stimulates research
• Assists in the development of principles, ethics, training and good practice
• Pursues other objectives determined by the General Meeting

To realise its aim and objectives, the EFRJ:

• Promotes dialogue between practitioners, policymakers and researchers (including students)
• Supports public education that increases awareness about issues for victims, offenders and the community
• Makes representation to and/or liaises with European and international institutions or organisations, including the Council of Europe, the European Union and relevant non-governmental organisations
• Raises, holds and administers funds in furtherance of its work
• Works to ensure that practice and research inform and support each other, and that these both inform and support policy making, which then informs the work of practitioners

The EFRJ’s principles include:

• Openness and respect
• A willingness to learn from all members
• Providing opportunities for expressing various points of view
• Providing channels for participation, exchange, mutual support and contact