Consultation on the Provision of Community Impact Assessments

The Department of Justice recently published a report that examined the feasibility of introducing Community Impact Assessments to Northern Ireland and identified possible options.

The report concluded, having considered all of the available information, that there is general support for giving communities a greater voice in the justice process. 

The Department of Justice has now issued a consultation which explores how Community Impact Assessments might work in practice and seeks the views of local communities and those who work at community level. 

Issues on which we would particularly appreciate views include:

• When should a Community Impact Assessment be undertaken?
• Who should be responsible for identifying cases suitable for a Community Impact Assessment and who should complete it?
• What impact on a community would warrant a Community Impact Assessment?
• How should differing views be reflected?
• Should guidance be provided?
• Should we link a Community Impact Statement to a Victim Impact Statement?
• Who should a Community Impact Statement be shared with?

We would welcome any comments you would wish to make.

Consultation document

The consultation document is available to download here.  A response pro forma is included in this document. Copies can be made available in other formats upon request by telephoning 028 9076 5779.

Responses

Your comments, which should include your name and contact address, should be sent in whatever format you choose to Victims and Witnesses Branch, Department of Justice, and should be received by 5.00pm on Friday 31 August 2012.

Responses can be submitted using the response proforma or by email, fax or letter to: 

E-mail: access.public@dojni.x.gsi.gov.uk

Fax: 028 9052 2405

or alternatively by

Writing to:

Provision of Community Impact Assessments Consultation
Victims and Witnesses Branch
Department of Justice
Massey House
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SX