It’s National Restorative Justice Week in Canada, which aims to raise awareness of restorative justice approaches to crime.
So, what is restorative justice?
The criminal justice system deals only with offenders, while restorative justice programs address the needs of victims and the community while holding offenders accountable for the harm they caused.
The programs can bring victims, offenders and the community a more satisfying experience of justice because crime is not only a violation of the law, but is also a violation of people and relationships and a disruption to peace in the community.
Most offenders who take part in restorative justice programs keep their commitments, which may include making restitution and completing community services.
Some research suggests that participating in a restorative justice process may reduce or stop future offending. Compared to the criminal justice system, restorative practices are less costly, timelier, more inclusive, and offer support and closure for both those who have been harmed and those causing harm.
Prince George offers two Restorative Justice Programs: RCMP Restorative Justice and Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society.
Both programs offer a safe, controlled environment in which a person who has caused harm, persons who have been harmed and their supporters, are brought together under the guidance of a trained facilitator.
Together they discuss the offence, how they have all been affected, and jointly develop a plan that will enable the person who has caused harm to give back to the person they have harmed and to the community, help them to develop coping strategies, and secure the support required to move forward in their lives.
This dialogue helps participants share how the offence happened, how they were affected and what needs to happen to make things right. The number of people involved in the dialogue varies on the type of offence and the needs of participants.
The Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society focuses on Indigenous clients and elder mentoring, offering the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre’s (PGRCC) Cultural Awareness Program, the Aboriginal Wellness Reintegration Program, the Youth Diversion Program and the Adult Alternative Measures/Indigenous Justice Program (IJP).
