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Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Community Safety and Crime Prevention

Restorative Justice


Overview

Crime is not only a violation of the law but a violation of people and relationships and a disruption of the peace in a community. We have a criminal justice system to deal with those who violate the law but restorative justice processes focus on addressing the needs of victims and the community with a strong emphasis on offender accountability and repairing the harm. The results can bring victims, offenders and the community a more satisfying experience of justice. Most offenders that participate in a restorative justice process follow through with their agreement which may include restitution or community service, and often demonstrate a reduction in further offending.

In a typical restorative justice process, everyone affected by a particular offence is invited to participate in a discussion of the circumstances surrounding the offence. Often this means that victims and their supporters, and offenders and their supporters, are guided by a restorative justice facilitator (or in some cases an elder) through a structured dialogue. This dialogue allows participants to share how the offence happened, how they were affected, and what needs to happen to make things right. The number of people involved will vary depending on the type of offence and the comfort-level of participants.

More Information

National Restorative Justice Week – November 15 to 22

National Restorative Justice Week is proclaimed every year during the third week of November. The theme of Restorative Justice Week in 2009 is "Communities Responding to Human Needs." This year, British Columbia will proclaim Restorative Justice week for the first time. The week aims to raise awareness of Restorative Justice approaches to crime. A number of local events planned by community-based restorative justice groups will take place throughout the week. For more information about National Restorative Justice Week visit the Correctional Services of Canada website – www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rj/rj2009/lett-eng.shtml

For more information about Restorative Justice Week in B.C. and local events happening during the week contact Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division.


Community Accountability Programs (CAP)

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General promotes restorative justice approaches to crime by supporting Community Accountability Programs (CAP). Since 1998, the ministry has supported community-based restorative justice programs through providing funding of up to $2500 for training-related activities, volunteer outreach and coordination, as well as support for ongoing operations.

Community Accountability Programs Grant Criteria

Generally, to qualify for funding, Community Accountability Programs must:

  • be volunteer based
  • adhere to the Ministry's Framework for Restorative Justice
  • demonstrate community and criminal justice support, including victims organizations
  • accept referrals for category 3 and 4 offences only
  • not accept referrals for sexual assault, spousal assault, and hate motivated crimes
  • conduct criminal record checks on all facilitators
  • maintain strict confidentiality of the victim and offender
More Information

 

If you have questions on Community Accountability Programs contact Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division and ask for a Restorative Justice Coordinator.