Restorative justice is a philosophy based on community healing. The focus of restorative justice is on problem solving, liabilities, and obligations. It is a program that focuses ahead on the future. Victim rights and needs are recognized and crime is recognized as having an interpersonal connection. The response is focused on the harmful consequences of the offender’s behaviour not their character and debts and liability to the victim are recognized in the solution.

VICTIMS GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO

• Obtain information: ask questions of the offender to understand what happened and the underlying reasons for the offence
• Express the impact: directly tell the person who caused them harm and how their actions have affected them
• Be empowered: be part of the decision-making process regarding what will happen next and how to deal with the aftermath of the incident
• Obtain restitution: be able to ask for restitution, both concrete and symbolic

OFFENDERS GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO

• Take accountability: be accountable for the offence and meet face-to-face with the victim and community to repair the harm done
• Undergo personal development: address and heal the underlying issues that contributed to their offending behaviour
• Reintegrate: be responsible and right the wrongs can help offenders feel good about being in the community again

WHAT HAPPENS

Referral received by the program

1. Meet with the parties involved
2. Bring all affected parties together
3. Referrals to other programs and agencies, if needed
4. Agreement made
5. Completion
6. Evaluation
7. Final report

REFERRAL SOURCES

• The Central Okanagan RCMP Courts
• Community Corrections Bylaw
• ICBC