This is a guest post by Dr Sarah Lewis.
The justice system has made remarkable strides in recent years. From embracing trauma-informed practices to integrating evidence-based approaches, the focus has increasingly shifted towards rehabilitation and growth. However, Justice 2.0 recognises that true transformation requires us to build on this progress while letting go of the cultural habits and norms that no longer serve us. It is a vision for justice that balances what works with the courage to reimagine what’s possible.
Justice 2.0 is not about starting from scratch. It acknowledges the successes of trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and strengths-based approaches, and seeks to amplify their impact. At the same time, it challenges outdated punitive frameworks, siloed practices and entrenched behaviours that hinder progress. Justice 2.0 offers a framework for growth, connection and resilience, creating a justice system that reflects the potential of every individual and the collective strength of our communities.
A Strategy for Growth and Transformation
At the heart of Justice 2.0 are four interconnected pillars, designed to build on the progress we’ve made while driving cultural and systemic change.
1 The Growth Alliance
The Growth Alliance is a dynamic network of individuals, organisations, and communities united by a shared vision of justice centred on human flourishing. It builds on years of collaborative efforts, bringing together diverse perspectives to drive collective impact. Champions, supporters and influencers amplify success stories, advocate for reform and strengthen the alliance’s ability to deliver transformative change.
By uniting these voices, the Growth Alliance turns ideas into action. It continues the work of embedding resilience, inclusion and restorative practices within the justice system, creating a community that shares responsibility for driving meaningful progress.
2 The Growth Academy- Growing Criminal Justice Practitioners Course
The Growth Academy builds on the knowledge gained through trauma-informed and relationship-based practices, equipping practitioners with the tools and skills to create lasting change. It provides comprehensive training programmes designed to inspire, empower and sustain those working within the justice system. Growing Criminal Justice Practitioners is a seven module course, which has been designed by busy practitioners, for busy practitioners, across the Criminal Justice System.
The academy acknowledges the strides made in understanding desistance, restorative justice, and reflective practice. It seeks to embed these insights further while preparing practitioners to address future challenges with confidence and compassion. Whilst it covers theory, the main emphasis is on how ideas can be applied practically to practice, taking an international perspective with speakers from all over the world.
3 A Collaborative Campaign for Change
Justice 2.0 continues the ongoing work of changing the public conversation around justice. This collaborative campaign builds on previous efforts to dismantle stigma, challenge harmful narratives and promote a system rooted in connection and equity.
The campaign amplifies stories of resilience and transformation, showcasing the tangible benefits of a justice system designed to heal rather than harm. It calls on communities, organisations and industries to join the movement, fostering a broad coalition for systemic change. It aims to mobilise and motivate people to promote a counter narrative, to the current approach to reporting matters linked to crime as well as identifying and discussing those aspects of our culture that needs letting go.
4 Upgrading Culture
Justice 2.0 embraces the need to let go of cultural norms that perpetuate harm and disconnection. It builds on the foundation of trauma-informed care and reflective practice, recognising that lasting change comes from addressing the culture of the system itself.
Upgrading culture means moving beyond short-term fixes and reactive measures. It involves creating systems and practices that prioritise growth, collaboration, and inclusion. Justice 2.0 continues the progress made in creating safer, more resilient environments while committing to a future where human dignity and potential are at the centre of justice. The cultural change programme has been designed to promote empowerment, incremental change and culture change across the Criminal Justice System, creating a network of like minded people, to cross-pollinate ideas, remain hopeful and share challenges.
The Growth App: A Tool for Progress and Collaboration
Justice 2.0 is not just a vision—it’s a practical movement driven by innovation. The Growth App is a testament to this progress, providing a digital platform that unites users, service providers and communities in a shared mission for growth.
The Growth App builds on years of evidence, offering personalised growth plans, community connections and tools for measuring progress. It creates a space free from criminogenic language, reframing individuals as active contributors to their own journeys and their communities. By housing the Growth Alliance, the app becomes an engine for reform, turning collective action into measurable impact.
The app does more than serve individuals—it contributes to the broader understanding of what works in justice reform. By capturing data and insights, it informs evidence-based practices and policy, ensuring that the system continues to evolve based on what has been proven to create meaningful change.
Justice 2.0 is about honouring the progress we’ve made while having the courage to address what no longer works. It builds on the foundations of trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches while fostering a justice system that prioritises growth, connection, and resilience. With the Growth App at its heart, Justice 2.0 represents a movement for real, lasting transformation. Together, we can create a justice system that reflects our highest values and aspirations—a system where opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive is at the heart of the change process.
For more information, please visit the Growth App’s website at www.thegrowthapp.org
For more information on Justice 2.0, please visit GTB at www.growtransformbelong.com or email info@growtransformbelong.com
