Find out about restorative justice

For the victim and communities

• Provide an opportunity for those harmed to have a say in how:
  • they want reparations;
  • justice should be served; and
  • to address their needs.
• Provides an opportunity to ask questions and get answers.
• Supports closure for the victim and communities.

For the offender

Pre-charge

If the offender completes all conditions in their agreement, no official charges are laid.

Post-charge

The charge(s) are withdrawn and there is no criminal record.

The offender has the opportunity to make meaningful reparations to those harmed.

Accessing the services

You can access services through a referral from the following agencies:

• RCMP and other justice agencies;
• the Public Prosecution Service of Canada; and
• Communities/school referrals.

You're eligible to participate in the program if you:

• have been referred to the program;
• are willing to take responsibility for your actions; and
• are willing to participate in the program, discuss circumstances and share relevant background information as requested.

There are different types of restorative processes available. The trained facilitators of the program use the approach that best fits the crime, and those involved. The core services are listed below.

Restorative conference

The victims and offender meet with a trained facilitator and take part in a restorative conference that meets the victim’s needs. The result is a mutual agreement on the ways the offender will repair the harm.

Community conference

The facilitator meets with the victim and offender, their support people and other relevant impacted parties. All participants share their stories and the impacts of the harm. The result is a mutual agreement on the ways the offender will repair the harm.

Reintegration conference

This group process seeks to meet the offender’s needs for a successful reintegration back into the community.

Diversion

This type of agreement includes counselling, educational programs, addictions treatment or other healing and self-development programs to help the offender.

• The victim and their supporters (for example, family members, friends, etc.)
• The offender and their supporters (for example, family members, friends, etc.)
• Key persons involved with the offender or victims (for example, youth workers, social workers, teachers and counsellors)
• Elders
• Other concerned community members

Common conditions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Community service or volunteer work in the community
• Restitution
• Written or verbal apologies
• Make and present gifts to the person(s) harmed
• Attend a treatment program or self-help program
• Other creative or meaningful conditions