Browse the Directory of Restorative Justice

The Canadian Families and Corrections Network leads many restorative-justice programs, including an orientation on restorative justice to newcomers at federal Intake and Assessment Units, a Visitor Resource Centre to assist in normalizing family relationships, parent-child bonding while a family member is incarcerated, and support groups for those who have a loved one in the justice system.

Peace of the Circle is based in Vancouver, BC. Services are mobile and available across the country; we offer facilitation, training, coaching and presentations. Peace of the Circle works with a wide range of people and organizations: families, schools, workplaces, communities, Indigenous Nations, government, police, courts, and corrections. Please visit our website for more information.

Restorative Opportunities is a Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) program that offers people that have been harmed by crime an opportunity to communicate with the offender who harmed them. RO is managed centrally in Ottawa and provides victim-offender mediation services across Canada. The program model is based on restorative justice principles. Participation is voluntary at all stages for all those involved and is not related to sentencing or parole decisions. Mediators are made available to work with participants to identify and/or address specific needs. At all times, mediators are vigilant and extremely mindful of the participant’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Restorative Opportunities is only available to those harmed by an offender who’s sentence is managed federally by CSC (incarcerated or parole).

Margot Van Sluytman practices “Sawbonna” which is a Zulu greeting meaning “I see you”. Sawbonna is an approach to life that focuses on witnessing and seeing someone’s humanity or spirit. Margot offers keynotes and workshops about Sawbonna to universities, colleges, communities, homeless shelters, criminal justice advocacy groups, victims groups amongst others entities across Canada. Each presentation is tailored to the needs of the clients and their audience.

The Program provides assistance to all Siksika Nation members involved in disputes through the Aiskapimohkiiks Program which uses a two phased mediation and/or arbitration model that incorporates Siksika’s customs and traditions. The first phase is "Aiipohtsiniimsta" which uses mediation. The second phase is "Aiskapimohkiiks" which uses arbitration when parties have not been able to agree to a settlement in mediation.

The Bigstone Restorative Justice Program provides community-based alternatives to crime and conflict. The program seeks to invlove the community and creating dispotiontionsécourt outcomes for the offender that satisfy the vistim and the community. The goal is to find a healing plan that in itself will not create conditions for the offender to fail, but are doable and achievable. The healing needs of the victim are apramount so healing plans are also available for them.

The Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Community Justice Program will educate community members on prevention as well as culturally based alternatives to the mainstream justice system through the development of relationships with justice partners such as the RCMP, Crown, Probation, Native Counseling and other community partners who can contribute to addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people involved in the criminal justice system.

Building Safer Ground, Restorative Dialogue are programs run by the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre Edmonton. The Building Safer Ground process is an alternative to the criminal justice program when abuse occurs within a family. It can help families to dialogue about these sensitive issues. Restorative dialogue is a different way of perceiving and approaching crime and punishment. It is a process where the victim and the offender agree to meet in a safe and controlled environment with trained facilitators.

The Calgary Aboriginal Youth Restorative Justice Committee is offered through the Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) which works in partnership with the local government in Calgary to administer this Extrajudicial Sanctions Program. To be deemed eligible for this program, youth must accept responsibility for their offence and agree to participate in the program. Members of the Youth Justice Committee ensure that young people get fair and proportionate sentences by taking into account the young person’s level of development while respecting gender, ethnic, cultural, and language differences. Although the Native Counselling Services of Alberta works primarily with Aboriginal youth, all individuals during any stage of the criminal justice process are welcome to apply for these services.

The Restorative Justice Program provides alternative measures to youth with criminal charges. Services include court support, support navigating the criminal justice system, and support with probation and parole.

The Mennonite Central Committee Alberta runs circles of support and accountability. Circles of Support and Accountability are groups of four to seven volunteers who are primarily from the faith community. They are committed to enhancing public safety by supporting community re-entry for former high risk offenders through covenanting, meeting, and walking daily with them. The full Circle meets on a regular basis. CoSA acknowledges the ongoing pain and need for healing of survivors of abuse.

The program works with all clients (victim & offender) in a neutral, non biased relationship. The program works for the best interest of the clients that is culturally appropriate and helps them reduce barriers. We provide outreach, education and awareness, set up restorative justice models, continue to foster a relationship between the crown and the judges and partner with stakeholders. The program also trains justice workers, clients and committee members on circles, alternative measure, gladue etc.

The Elizabeth Métis Settlement Community Justice Program is targeted at enhancing awareness and understanding of justice issues in the settlement; to implement justice diversion; to have an operating youth justice committee; and also to provide a framework to address the diverse issues that affect individuals and their families who are involved in or at risk of entering the justice system. Partnerships are secured with government agencies and service providers to jointly address these issues and provide support in a truly holistic, culturally sensitive and safe manner. Objectives of the program include to enhance client focus and support through the justice system; facilitating education to promote awareness that will assist in preventative factors for related issues within the workers and committees with a culturally sensitive and holistic approach; developing an evaluation process to measure community; increasing capacity of justice successes and gaps within the justice program; and working with the RCMP, judge and crown on justice diversion and pre sentencing.

The program strengthens traditional justice values and traditional approaches to practicing justice in the community, and to support community wellness. Relying on community Elders and community members, the Finding balance restorative Justice Program focuses on families at risk and victim-offender reconciliation. the program also offers conflict resolution, communication skills development, talking and healing circles.

The Program will help reduce the rates of crime and incarceration among Aboriginal people through diversion, pre sentence options, sentencing alternatives, family and civil mediation, victims support, offender reintegration and pre charge, culturally based justice processes.

Fort Saskatchewan & Area Restorative Justice Program provides a plethora of free facilitation, meditation and conflict resolution services to meet the need of its community. As a community based program, Fort Saskatchewan & Area Restorative Justice Program provides alternatives to traditional justices. Volunteers facilitate services and provide support in order to help youth build constructive lives within the community. The Fort Saskatchewan & Area Restorative Justice Program relies on a restorative justice model to repair harm between victims, the community and offenders and welcomes all individuals during any stage of the criminal justice process

The Program will provide diversion alternatives for offenders from the community.The program will work closely with justice stakeholders, the Tri Settlements Justice Committee, and the Gift Lake Justice Committee to promote alternative justice options, and to raise awareness in the community about the justice system and community justice program. The program will offer diversion processes that include circles, facilitation and mediation.

The Program focuses on restoring personal, family and community relationships with the Kainai community. This is done by utilizing traditional Kainai peacemaking practices such as mediation and conflict resolution. The Program strives to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community by promoting restorative justice, crime prevention and healing, drawing on a wide range of existing resources in the community and the Blood Tribe’s sense of community and collective responsibility.

The Program will provide diversion alternatives for offenders from the community and work closely with justice stakeholders and the Justice Committee to promote alternative justice options and to raise awareness in the community about the justice system and community justice program.

Neyaskweyahk Restorative Justice run by Erminskin Tribal Enterprises works with community members to repair vital relationships after conflict. RJ values healing, accountability, making amendments, forgiveness, and respect. RJ uses the circle concept where all parties have the opportunity to speak. The program takes referrals from the community. The voluntary participation of parties is necessary for a circle to proceed.

Nipisihkopahk Family Justice Circles involve the victim, the offender, their social network, justice agencies, and the community. They provide conflict resolution, extra-judicial sanctions, alternative measures, healing circles, workshops on bullying, lateral violence workshops, cultural support, one-on-one support, restorative justice, a youth justice training, and conflict dispute resolution training.

This program serves youth between the ages of 12-18 and others who may be older but committed an offence while under the age of 18. We work with youth from any and all communities, Indigenous, and non-Indigenous. Youth are referred either directly by police or by the crown prosecutor’s office. The latter can determine a pre-charge referral as well as post charge referral for any first or second offence. Our committees have held circles with youth charged with serious matters (assault, robbery, fraud, mischief causing significant damages, sexual matters involving inappropriate touching and/or cyber bullying) as well as summary conviction matters such as shoplifting and other theft related matters. We have also worked with youth charged with drug related matters. When a youth is referred to the program, the committee coordinator will reach out to youth, parents/caregivers and victim(s), as well as the arresting officer if available. All are invited to participate in a Restorative Justice Circle, facilitated by a volunteer. Should the victim be hesitant to participate, they can share a victim impact statement which would read circle by a volunteer victim advocate. If victim’s chose to participate they are invited to bring a support person. Should one not be available, a third volunteer acts as their support person, meeting with them prior to the circle and advising as to their role, describing the circle process, and discussing the victim’s expectations and hopes as a result of participation. Circles use a scripted format and a talking piece. All volunteers are trained in the circle process (which is lengthy and involves working through training manuals, with role plays and mock circles) prior to participation. After much discussion and sharing, all participants, including the youth, are asked how the youth can make things right with the victim(s) and repay society in general. Sanctions are determined on the basis of consensus and the abilities and strengths of the youth involved. Youth are provided a follow up volunteer who acts as a mentor in that weekly contact is maintained and any difficulties and/or challenges faced by the youth in respect to completion of their contract are addressed and worked through. Youth have approximately three months to complete the agreed upon sanctions. Should they need further time, an extension is requested and always granted by the Court.

The Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement Community Justice Program works with community and justice stakeholders to provide restorative justice programming and offender diversion services. The program will focus on educating the community about justice initiatives and options, offender diversion, as well as providing support to the school in instances of student disputes and providing alternatives for disciplinary actions.

The Peace River Region Restorative Justice Association is a community-based restorative justice program for those communities served by the Peace Regional RCMP. They provide restorative conferencing.

Peavine Métis Settlement Community Justice Program will work closely with justice stakeholders to ensure that community members have access to the best justice options available to them. Through preventative, collaborative work; education; increased partnerships; and diversion of young offenders to the justice committee, Peavine will play a key role in providing community focused justice services for its members.

This program brings victims and those causing hard together with the aim of imed at helping victims and offenders allowing them to meet face to face and find a resolution, repairing the harms done by crime.

Restorative Conferences offered through the Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) is inclusive of all ages and welcomes family, friends and community members to work with a NCSA courtworker in order to discuss how the incident has affected everyone in order to heal these relationships.

Restorative Group Conferencing is run by the Family Ties Association not only uses Victim Impact to bring understanding to the offender but also helps the offender move forward with a new understanding of the impact of his/her actions on individuals and society.

Restorative Practices by Engage promotes, teaches, coaches, and supports the use of restorative principles, practices, and processes to build healthy communities and to resolve harmful situations. When an incident has occurred, a restorative community conferencing is used. A community conference is a facilitated conversation between people who have been harmed, those who have caused harm, and supporters of both. The conversation is an opportunity for participants to take responsibility, express how they have been affected by the situation, and contribute to what they would like to see happen to repair the harm.

CJHS accepts referrals for both adults and youth aged 12 and older. The program utilizes several main processes: Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), community conferencing, talking circles, and Crime Impact Sessions (CIS). CJHS is equipped to facilitate a variety of restorative justice processes at different stages of the criminal justice process, including: Diversionary Pre-Plea Measures: These are interventions that occur before a plea is entered in court, often used to divert individuals away from the traditional criminal justice system and towards restorative practices. Post-Plea Pre-Sentence Processes: These occur after a plea has been entered but before sentencing, allowing for restorative measures to be considered during the sentencing decision. Post-Sentence Processes: These are restorative practices implemented after sentencing, which can aid in rehabilitation and reintegration of the offender, as well as provide closure and healing for victims. By utilizing VOD, community conferencing, talking circles, and CIS, CJHS aims to foster communication and understanding between victims and offenders, promote healing, accountability, and resolution, and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into the community.

The Rural Red Deer RJ program brings victims and offenders together in circle to address the harms done by crime with the objective of repairing harm and moving forward.

The Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice Program is a community-run program that uses community justice forums as its main practice. The program’s purpose is not to determine guilt or innocence, but to address the victim’s harms and needs, while holding the offenders accountable. Referrals to the program come from the Blackfalds RCMP detachment, schools, and community. The program involves victims, offenders, and communities in the process.

The Saddle Lake Restorative Justice Program is a comprehensive youth and family based strategy that includes prevention, diversion and reintegration programming for the residents of the Saddle Lake First Nation and surrounding communities. The Program’s primary objectives include identifying the causes of anti social and quasi criminal behaviour through education and awareness; instil in youth a greater sense of responsibility towards themselves, their peers, their families and their community. The Program continues to develop early intervention tools for working successfully with children and families before a crisis occurs. Activities used in the restorative justice program are family group conferencing, alternative dispute resolution techniques and a Circle Hearing Tribunal that investigates and adjudicates disputes in a manner consistent with the traditional justice values of the community. Saddle Lake Restorative Justice Program has a strong partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Government of Alberta, local and Crown judiciary organizations. Services are delivered to Saddle Lake, St. Paul, Good Fish Lake and the surrounding communities of Ashmount and Vilna.

This program serves youth between the ages of 12-18 and others who may be older but committed an offence while under the age of 18. We work with youth from any and all communities, Indigenous, and non-Indigenous. Youth are referred either directly by police or by the crown prosecutor’s office. The latter can determine a pre-charge referral as well as post charge referral for any first or second offence. Our committees have held circles with youth charged with serious matters (assault, robbery, fraud, mischief causing significant damages, sexual matters involving inappropriate touching and/or cyber bullying) as well as summary conviction matters such as shoplifting and other theft related matters. We have also worked with youth charged with drug related matters. When a youth is referred to the program, the committee coordinator will reach out to youth, parents/caregivers and victim(s), as well as the arresting officer if available. All are invited to participate in a Restorative Justice Circle, facilitated by a volunteer. Should the victim be hesitant to participate, they can share a victim impact statement which would read circle by a volunteer victim advocate. If victim’s chose to participate they are invited to bring a support person. Should one not be available, a third volunteer acts as their support person, meeting with them prior to the circle and advising as to their role, describing the circle process, and discussing the victim’s expectations and hopes as a result of participation. Circles use a scripted format and a talking piece. All volunteers are trained in the circle process (which is lengthy and involves working through training manuals, with role plays and mock circles) prior to participation. After much discussion and sharing, all participants, including the youth, are asked how the youth can make things right with the victim(s) and repay society in general. Sanctions are determined on the basis of consensus and the abilities and strengths of the youth involved. Youth are provided a follow up volunteer who acts as a mentor in that weekly contact is maintained and any difficulties and/or challenges faced by the youth in respect to completion of their contract are addressed and worked through. Youth have approximately three months to complete the agreed upon sanctions. Should they need further time, an extension is requested and always granted by the Court. When a youth is referred to the program, the committee coordinator will reach out to youth, parents/caregivers and victim(s), as well as the arresting officer if available. All are invited to participate in a Restorative Justice Circle, facilitated by a volunteer. Should the victim be hesitant to participate, they can share a victim impact statement which would read circle by a volunteer victim advocate. If victim’s chose to participate they are invited to bring a support person. Should one not be available, a third volunteer acts as their support person, meeting with them prior to the circle and advising as to their role, describing the circle process, and discussing the victim’s expectations and hopes as a result of participation. Circles use a scripted format and a talking piece. All volunteers are trained in the circle process (which is lengthy and involves working through training manuals, with role plays and mock circles) prior to participation. After much discussion and sharing, all participants, including the youth, are asked how the youth can make things right with the victim(s) and repay society in general. Sanctions are determined on the basis of consensus and the abilities and strengths of the youth involved. Youth are provided a follow up volunteer who acts as a mentor in that weekly contact is maintained and any difficulties and/or challenges faced by the youth in respect to completion of their contract are addressed and worked through. Youth have approximately three months to complete the agreed upon sanctions. Should they need further time, an extension is requested and always granted by the Court.

The Tsuu T’ina Peacemaker Program objectives are to divert matters from court to Tsuu T’ina community peacemaking for resolution of conflict employing culturally appropriate mediation and alternative dispute resolution techniques; to educate, train and share information about the Peacemaker Program with other communities; and to provide monitoring, evaluation and fine tuning of the Peacemaking function. The Program engages offenders, victims, family and community members in resolving conflicts, addressing underlying causes of offending behaviour, and promoting a more peaceful community. The Program maintains efficient and effective relations with Community and provincial social programs, local and Crown judiciary organizations, promotes and provides informational sessions to the community and provides continual training and workshops to peacemakers. The Program provides services to Tsuu T’ina community members located in Calgary and Tsuu T’ina Reserve.

This program serves youth between the ages of 12-18 and others who may be older but committed an offence while under the age of 18. We work with youth from any and all communities, Indigenous, and non-Indigenous. Youth are referred either directly by police or by the crown prosecutor’s office. The latter can determine a pre-charge referral as well as post charge referral for any first or second offence. Our committees have held circles with youth charged with serious matters (assault, robbery, fraud, mischief causing significant damages, sexual matters involving inappropriate touching and/or cyber bullying) as well as summary conviction matters such as shoplifting and other theft related matters. We have also worked with youth charged with drug related matters. When a youth is referred to the program, the committee coordinator will reach out to youth, parents/caregivers and victim(s), as well as the arresting officer if available. All are invited to participate in a Restorative Justice Circle, facilitated by a volunteer. Should the victim be hesitant to participate, they can share a victim impact statement which would read circle by a volunteer victim advocate. If victim’s chose to participate they are invited to bring a support person. Should one not be available, a third volunteer acts as their support person, meeting with them prior to the circle and advising as to their role, describing the circle process, and discussing the victim’s expectations and hopes as a result of participation. Circles use a scripted format and a talking piece. All volunteers are trained in the circle process (which is lengthy and involves working through training manuals, with role plays and mock circles) prior to participation. After much discussion and sharing, all participants, including the youth, are asked how the youth can make things right with the victim(s) and repay society in general. Sanctions are determined on the basis of consensus and the abilities and strengths of the youth involved. Youth are provided a follow up volunteer who acts as a mentor in that weekly contact is maintained and any difficulties and/or challenges faced by the youth in respect to completion of their contract are addressed and worked through. Youth have approximately three months to complete the agreed upon sanctions. Should they need further time, an extension is requested and always granted by the Court.

Youth and Family Peacemaking Program

The 100 Mile & District Community for Real Justice provides restorative justice processes, resources, presentations, coordination of restorative justice programs, and program consultation. Their aim is to repair the damage & minimize further harm caused by the offending behaviour and to maximize social justice for victims, offenders, and other members of the community affected by the offending behaviour. Their target group is class 4 & 5 summary conviction offences by both youth and adult offenders.

The Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association provides restorative justice processes, training, presentations, coordination of RJ programs, a newsletter, and mentoring in RJ practices in both English and Punjabi. Their aim is to hold offenders accountable for their actions and to the victimn/community, and to assist them in making appropriate amends. As an alternative to the criminal justice system, restorative justice provides support to both victims and offenders, allowing an incident to be resolved directly between the affected parties without going to court. Their target group is at risk youth.

John Howard Society of the Central and South Okanagan offers the Adult (Indigenous) Restorative Solutions program which works towards restoring balance in its four communities affected by crime. This program is aimed to create safe and caring environments through advocacy and mentoring. Adult (Indigenous) Restorative Solutions’ mandate is to create change within the criminal justice system by finding ways to reinstate traditional discipline and traditional community practices to better assist the rehabilitation of offenders and healing victims of crime. Adult (Indigenous) Restorative Solutions welcomes all individuals during any stage of the criminal justice process.

The Alberni Valley Restorative Justice Society offers community justice forums, which provide a safe environment for both sides to express how they feel and how the crime has affected each one. Forums are powerful learning experiences because they force offenders to face the consequences of their behaviour. Eligible offenders include persons that committed a minor offence under the Criminal Code (e.g. theft, possession of stolen property, fraud, causing a disturbance, mischief, and vandalism). The accused must admit to the offence and be willing to accept responsibility for the harm done. The accused must be willing to participate in a face-to-face community justice forum and comply with the signed forum agreement as an alternative to going to court. The restorative justice process is available to those offenders recommended by the RCMP to the program.

The Alert Bay Justice Program provides Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder support, community support, volunteer services, after school daycare, and a variety of programs. It also facilitates the resolution of issues, promote healing and responsible decision making and strengthens families and the community by providing responsive, effective, and holistic services in a non judgemental manner.

Arrowsmith Community Justice Society (ACJS) is a community organization that operates in British Columbia offering the community-based Restorative Justice Program. The purpose of this program is to promote peacemaking as a resolution for conflicts in the community. ACJS involves interested community member to take part in the facilitation of all their programing. All programing and resources are tailored to the specific needs of the surrounding communities.

The Boundary Restorative Program works with the RCMP to divert files from the confrontational court system to the successful Community Justice Forum model. They are working to network with other agencies in the community that are concerned about the unsuccessful rate of recidivism through the court system. The Program also helps to re-integrate youth into the community through training workshops and best practices.

Campbell River RCMP Restorative Justice Program is an RCMP based program located in the city of Campbell River. The program works on referral basis and focuses on restorative justice principles. When deemed appropriate, the RCMP utilizes the Campbell River RCMP Restorative Justice Program as an alternative to traditional court systems. In this sense the community of Campbell River decide what is best for itself and the best course of action to resolve certain crimes. Typically, the program is open to first time offenders who show remorse, are cooperative and concede to their crime during any stage of the criminal justice process.

Castlegar and District Community Justice Forum is an RCMP program that accepts cases from RCMP referral. They work with first-time, youth and adult offenders. They provide victim support and involvement, community support and involvement, and effective agreements between parties.

The Chehalis Community Accountability Program as designed by the Chehalis Restorative Justice Committee is based on philosophies and structures of other successful alternative justice programs. In the restorative approach, a crime is seen as a violation of people and community relationships. The violation is seen to create an obligation to make things right. The obligation is defined by mutual agreement between the victim, the offender and others affected by the unlawful actions or unacceptable behaviour. Community relationships are re-balanced by offering support to victims and offenders, by giving victims a voice in responding to offences and by giving offenders the impetus and opportunity to be accountable and make amends to their victims. This process is led by a resolution conference facilitator who leads all parties in safe and meaningful communication.

The Chilliwack Restorative Association provides services for both youth and adult first-time offenders where there is an option for an agreement between parties prior to charges being laid. They connect youth with their community by providing mentoring to young offenders and a forum for victims. The mandate of the program is to bring offenders and victims together in order to discuss criminal incidents and to find ways to repair the harm.

The Chim-an-ah Program seeks the reintegration of offenders into the communities, and restores and strengthens harmony between the offender and his or her community. It also empowers the Ahousaht community to take responsibility for local justice issues, thereby keeping conflict resolution processes out of the mainstream justice system.

The Columbia Valley Restorative Justice program works to find solutions to prevent crime in the Invermere area. The program only accepts referrals from the Columbia Valley RCMP local detachment. Pre-conference interviews with offenders and victims are held separately followed by a Restorative Justice Forum. When an agreement by both parties is reached, a follow up takes place to ensure the agreement is complete. In the event that an agreement is not reached, the case is returned back to the RCMP. Columbia Valley Restorative Justice Program is open to all individuals with non-violent case files during all stages of the criminal justice process.

Communities Embracing Restorative Action provides restorative justice through its Community Youth Justice Program. The victim and offender can engage in dialogue, facilitated by trained restorative justice facilitators, to reach a resolution. This program allows issues to be resolved in an effective and efficient manner, and has been a valuable resource for the RCMP. In addition to their Community Youth Justice Program, the Empowering Youth Program educates students and teachers about restorative justice.

The goal of the Community Circles Restorative Justice Society is to restore and strengthen relationships within the community that have been damaged by crime and conflict. Volunteers are trained in the values and principles of restorative justice. They facilitate a dialogue between those involved in order to repair the harm and find a positive way forward. Victims are given the opportunity to identify their needs, while offenders are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions. The participants then work toward an agreement to repair the harm and meet those needs. The primary source of referrals for the Community Circles Restorative Justice Society is the RCMP, but referrals from other legal agencies, community organizations, and individuals are also accepted.

Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice program is a forum which permits offenders, those in conflict with the law and victims of crime to address and repair harm. Participants in this program are referred to the program by the coordinator for assessment and a potential interview. Case files are assigned to facilitators based on their specific strengths, qualifications and backgrounds to assess the best restorative justice approach. Although, most of the program deals with post charge referrals, Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice program accepts individuals at any stage of the criminal justice process.

The Creston Valley Restorative Justice Program consists of trained facilitators that accept referrals of youth through the RCMP.

The Daylu Dena Council Justice Program is based on a council approach using Elders, youth and other members of the community to seek resolution. The criteria for admission into the program includes: victim, offender, family and community willingness to participate, the offender’s acceptance of their responsibility, the availability of resources to deal with the matter and with the assurance that harmony will be restored back into the community.

Eagle Valley Restorative Justice offers restorative justice programing to youth in the Sicamous and surrounding areas. Referrals are typically received from the RCMP. Trained facilitators support victims and offenders through mediation in a face –to- face meeting and help to devise a mutually beneficial contract. Once the prescribed programing and contract are complete, it is sent to the back to the RCMP with discretionary powers to close an offender’s file.

The End Abuse Program Supports families impacted by abusive relationships and offers individual and group support for women experiencing abuse in intimate relationships; support and accountability groups for men who want to learn healthier ways of being in relationships; training for professionals and support group facilitators; education about issues of abuse in churches; and pastoral training on dynamics of abuse in the home and the church.

The Esk’etemc Restorative Justice Program facilitates resolution of crimes, healing, recovery and prevention. The majority of incidents are handled through traditional Healing Circles a non judgmental, safe environment for the resolution of cases.

The Fort Nelson First Nation Justice Program provides diversion, sentencing recommendations, restorative justice, bylaw redevelopment, judicial mentorship, dispute resolution and mediation. The program also provides essential support services to the members of the community, while remaining cognizant of the community’s vision: to have the Fort Nelson First Nation be a strong, healthy, and proud community with self reliant members.

Victim-Offender Mediation Program (VOMP) offered through the Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association (CJI) is a community based programs that offers a different approach to remedy crime. As an alternative to traditional courts systems, VOMP works with courts and the community to deal with the aftermath of a crime. The offender and those impacted by the crime are able to meet face to face to find mutually satisfying solutions for the affects of the crime. Trained volunteers mediate the programing and meetings. Participation is solely voluntary.

Gold River Restorative Justice Society offers restorative justice programing in the BC area. For the most part, Gold River Restorative Justice Society programing is offered to youth and individuals who commit mischief offences. The objective of this program is to encourage the healing process, for the offender to understand the impact of their offence and to provide restitution. Referrals are typically received from the RCMP. Once the screening process is complete, a case file is assigned to a facilitator and mentor. A conference is arranged between the victim and the offender with the option of supportive members being in attendance.

The Golden Adult Youth Diversion Program offers restorative justice processes, training, workshops, presentations, and event planning. Their aim is to create a healthy community for victims and offenders by providing a viable alternative to the court system. Their target groups are youth and first- time offenders.

Greater Trail Community Justice Program was created in 1996 and became a non-profit society in 2008. The program typical receives case files from the RCMP but also accepts other referral sources. Greater Trail Community Justice Program is most known for its Restorative Justice Forum between victims, their support team and offenders. Facilitators prepare timelines and create restorative agreement which the offender is required to complete. The program coordinator overseas the entire process and ensures that deadlines are met. Greater Trail Community Justice Program accepts all individuals at the pre-charge stage of the criminal justice process.

The Haida Gwaii Restorative Justice Program assists the Haida people in assuming greater responsibility for addressing conflict and administering justice through the development of culturally relevant and integrated community programs and services. The Program also provides pre charge diversion/alternative measures, sentence advisory and offender reintegration services.

The Healing Circle Program imposes appropriate measures to ensure compensation for the victim, levies a consequence on the offender, delivers required services to families and establishes a monitoring program to ensure compliance with agreed upon restitution. The Program also provides an opportunity to resolve crime using traditional, alternative sentencing methods based on consensus by all parties involved.

The Heiltsuk Gvi’ilas Restorative Justice Program provides reintegration protocols and services which seek to restore wellness and balance by supporting and promoting the principles of restorative justice. The Programs is available to both youth and adult members of the Heiltsuk & surrounding communities.

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 behaviours not their character and debts and liability to the victim are recognized in the solution.

The Justice Alternatives for Mackenzie Program is a youth program which accepts referrals solely from the RCMP. Once a referral is made, the RJ coordinator connects with the youth, their guardians, and the victim to set up a forum with all those involved to discuss the impacts of the harm caused and an appropriate way for the youth to make amends.

The Kamloops City RCMP Detachment is located in British Columbia in the RCMP Southeast District. The detachment is one of the largest in the province. The main goal of this detachment is to create safer communities for residents. There is a strong commitment to reduce crime, fight organized crime and provide effective police services. Kamloops RCMP works in partnership with the Kamloops School District and its schools offer youth programing. RCMP implements its priorities and initiatives at the education, intelligence, and enforcement levels.

The Keremeos Restorative Justice Program provides a constructive and meaningful response to crime and conflict, and encourages opportunities for accountability, understanding, problem solving and healing for all individuals involved in an incident. Referrals are accepted primarily from police, but opportunities are available for other circumstances from various organizations within the community. The program offers both the Community Justice Forum and Community Accountability Panel models to assist with the resolution of the conflict at issue. The programs’ trained facilitators are able to assist with both youth and adult referrals for both indigenous and non-indigenous participants. By providing timely and professional services, we strive to assist all participants in moving forward from an incident in a positive manner. The Keremeos Restorative Justice Program operates within the community as the South Okanagan Similkameen Restorative Justice Program.

The Khusedzi k’e’ Program is set up as a diversion, alternative, preventative measures program, using Wilderness/Adventure Therapy and various circles for the benefit of individuals living in the community. We accept referrals from community, RCMP, Crown and the Court. The Program creates a traditional and culturally appropriate wilderness camp, provides opportunities to address communication issues within the community, promotes the overall (physical, emotional, social and cultural) well-being of Aboriginal people, and promotes cultural education and training services to the wider community. The Khusedzi k’e’ program addresses harm done to individuals by working with both the peoples who have created the harm (offenders) and those who have been harmed (victims).

Kootenay Restorative Justice Program (KRJP) offers its services and programing to Nelson, Kaslo, Slocan and the communities in between each city. KRJP emphasizes using restorative justice principles to repair the harm caused by any conflict or crime. KRJP facilitates the increasing dialogue in communities by education and role-modeling, consensus building and discussion. Clients are accepted into this program based on referrals from the RCMP and the community.

The Ku We gahn Justice Program repairs the harm done by the offender and increases the sense of social justice for the victim, families and others in the community. The Program operates pre and post charge diversion programs using a family group conferencing in a traditional circle format.

The Lillooet Restorative Justice Program offers service to enhance public safety in the Lillooet area of British Columbia. Individuals impacted by an offence are welcomed to participate in programing which is facilitated by trained members of the program. Lillooet Restorative Justice Program uses a RCMP forum model to approach each case file in addition to family group conferencing, mentorship and community justice forums. Together, all parties discuss and decide on an appropriate option to repair the harm done. Offender’s progress is monitored and supported to ensure that the agreement is reached to the satisfaction of all those involved.

The Lytton Restorative Justice Prevention and Education Program provides services focused on prevention, rediscovery (for children and youth), alternative measures and restorative justice, fisheries offenses and probation administration. The Program reduces crime, reconnects children with their cultural roots, maintains an alternative form of dispute resolution to the criminal justice system, and provides information and support to offenders and victims involved in the process.

The Nak’azdli Whut’en Alternate Justice Program provides alternative dispute resolution, circle sentencing, diversion, mediation and preventative education for members of the Nak’azdli First Nation in the Village of Fort St. James. The Program deals with the harmful effects of the residential school system still afflicting the community, and diverts young offenders and first time offenders from the courts by using traditionally appropriate cultural approaches.

Nelson Police Department Restorative Justice (NPDRJ) provides service to both youth and adults. Trained NPDRJ volunteers strive to facilitate safe, meaningful and constructive dialogues between victims, offenders and community members in the aftermath of crime. They support participants to collaboratively establish resolution agreements which are monitored to foster success. Program participation is voluntary and NPDRJ respects the rights of all participants to withdraw at any stage of the process. NPDRJ primarily receives referrals from the Nelson Police Department, but also accepts referrals from the community. The types of referrals we receive include: assault, break and enter, Motor Vehicle Act offenses, threats, mischief and theft.

The Nicola Valley Restorative Justice Program operates a diversion and dispute resolution program, working with the five Bands in the Nicola Valley, plus the local community of Merritt. The Program works in partnership with Canada’s justice system for a quality of life that encompasses community safety, healing initiatives, crime prevention and a justice system that fosters respect and understanding with particular attention to First Nations members. The Program accomplishes this goal by providing dispute resolution services by trained facilitators to Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals. The Program is operated by the Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society and supports the Nicola Valley Indigenous Court, working with the Court Navigator, Elder’s panel and the local Chiefs and Council members. The Restorative Justice Program also monitors adult First Nations clients with court probation orders, under contract with the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General.

The North Shore Restorative Justice Society: The Restorative Response Program receives referrals from the RCMP, the Police, Victim Services and local community agencies. Two program facilitators meet with all those involved in the crime separately to hear their perspective on the incident and a restorative response is then designed to make amends for the harm caused. The North Shore Restorative Response Program commonly accepts cases of physical assault, threats, break and enter, mischief, theft, community disputes and on-going relationship conflict.

The Nuxalk Restorative Justice Program implements the restorative justice program framework into the Nuxalk First Nation community and the mainstream justice system. The Program uses police and Crown based diversion/alternative measures, as well as input into sentencing decisions, to provide the windows for the Nuxalk First Nation to assume greater responsibility for administering justice to its people. It also helps develop more culturally relevant and effective resolutions to conflict, culturally appropriate dispute resolution processes, and protocol arrangements with justice and services agencies.

The Oliver Restorative Justice Program provides a constructive and meaningful response to crime and conflict, and encourages opportunities for accountability, understanding, problem solving and healing for all individuals involved in an incident. Referrals are accepted primarily from police, but opportunities are available for other circumstances from various organizations within the community. The program offers both the Community Justice Forum and Community Accountability Panel models to assist with the resolution of the conflict at issue. The programs’ trained facilitators are able to assist with both youth and adult referrals for both indigenous and non-indigenous participants. By providing timely and professional services, we strive to assist all participants in moving forward from an incident in a positive manner. The Oliver Restorative Justice Program operates within the community as the South Okanagan Similkameen Restorative Justice Program.

The Boys and Girls Club Community Services offers a wide range of programs for children, youth, and families in the Delta & Richmond communities. Options for Youth offers restorative justice conferences to the police, community, and schools alongside the Extrajudicial Measures Program. Support services such as family or individual counselling; and alcohol, drug, or anger management counselling are also available.

The Osoyoos Restorative Justice Program provides a constructive and meaningful response to crime and conflict, and encourages opportunities for accountability, understanding, problem solving and healing for all individuals involved in an incident. Referrals are accepted primarily from police, but opportunities are available for other circumstances from various organizations within the community. The program offers both the Community Justice Forum and Community Accountability Panel models to assist with the resolution of the conflict at issue. The programs’ trained facilitators are able to assist with both youth and adult referrals for both indigenous and non-indigenous participants. By providing timely and professional services, we strive to assist all participants in moving forward from an incident in a positive manner. The Osoyoos Restorative Justice Program operates within the community as the South Okanagan Similkameen Restorative Justice Program.

Peace of the Circle is based in Vancouver, BC. Services are mobile across the country and include facilitation, training, coaching and presentations. Peace of the Circle works with a wide range of clients: families, schools, workplaces, communities, government, police, courts, corrections and Indigenous Nations. All parties impacted from conflict, crime and harm are able to access services and are supported in their healing. Peace of Circle accepts clients during any stage of a justice process. Please visit our website for more information!

The Penticton Resotrative Justice Program provides a constructive and meaningful response to crime and conflict, and encourages opportunities for accountability, understanding, problem solving and healing for all individuals involved in an incident. Referrals are accepted primarily from police, but opportunities are available for other circumstances from various organizations within the community. The program offers both the Community Justice Forum and Community Accountability Panel models to assist with the resolution of the conflict at issue. The programs’ trained facilitators are able to assist with both youth and adult referrals for both indigenous and non-indigenous participants. By providing timely and professional services, we strive to assist all participants in moving forward from an incident in a positive manner. The Penticton Restorative Justice Program operates within the community as the South Okanagan Similkameen Restorative Justice Program.

The Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society Restorative Justice Program provides pre and post charge diversions and prevention services for youth and adults in the Prince George area. The Program reduces the number of Aboriginal people in contact with the law, reduces the recidivism rates of Aboriginal people in the justice system, particularly for minor offences; and focuses on reintegrating offenders back into their communities as active, productive members.

The Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society Restorative Justice Program provides pre and post charge diversions and prevention services for youth and adults in the Prince George area. The Program reduces the number of Aboriginal people in contact with the law, reduces the recidivism rates of Aboriginal people in the justice system, particularly for minor offences; and focuses on reintegrating offenders back into their communities as active, productive members.

The Aboriginal Justice Program administers an alternative justice program for people in Prince Rupert and the vicinity. It does this by incorporating cultural restorative and holistic approaches; promoting the Program within the schools, agencies and the public; reducing the number of people in the courts and detention centres; and reducing the recidivism rate. The Program has also expanded to provide sentencing advisory services for the courts.

The Princeton Restorative Justice Program provides a constructive and meaningful response to crime and conflict, and encourages opportunities for accountability, understanding, problem solving and healing for all individuals involved in an incident. Referrals are accepted primarily from police, but opportunities are available for other circumstances from various organizations within the community. The program offers both the Community Justice Forum and Community Accountability Panel models to assist with the resolution of the conflict at issue. The programs’ trained facilitators are able to assist with both youth and adult referrals for both indigenous and non-indigenous participants. By providing timely and professional services, we strive to assist all participants in moving forward from an incident in a positive manner. The Princeton Restorative Justice Program operates within the community as the South Okanagan Similkameen Restorative Justice Program.

qathet Community Justice (qCJ) aims to restore relationships where conflict or crime has caused harm and address the underlying issues that perpetuate injustice. We provide criminal and non-criminal Restorative Justice services, primarily referred from Powell River RCMP or community-based organizations. We evolved from Texada Island Restorative Justice, est. 2004. We gratefully work within the traditional territory of the Tla’amin, shíshálh, Klahoose, Homalco, and K’ómoks First Nations.

The Quwutsun Mustimuhw Restorative Justice Program provides Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder support, community support, volunteer services, after school daycare, and a variety of programs which serve seven traditional villages. It also facilitates the resolution of issues, promotes healing, responsible decision making and strengthens families and the community by providing responsive, effective, and holistic services in a non judgemental manner.

The Qwi:qwelstóm - Stó:Io Nation Justice Program restores harmony in the community by involving young and adult offenders, victims, family members, Elders and the Aboriginal community to repair the harm done by the offender’s behaviour. In particular, it provides an opportunity for the community to assume responsibility for what is happening to their youth. Goals are accomplished through training and community capacity building, including circle training and facilitating community information and training sessions.

The Restorative Justice Program offered through the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society is located in British Columbia and is part of a large network of more than 60 affiliated John Howard Societies across Canada. Restorative justice programing in Nanaimo is structured around the RCMP Community Justice Forums model. Here the forums include the participation of victims, stakeholders, offenders and their supporters, community members and a trained facilitator. Referrals, typically come from the RCMP, Crown Counsel, ICBC and School District 68. The John Howard society offers it services and programs for a prescribed list of offences which is described on its site.

The North Peace Justice Society offers Restorative Justice processes, training, presentations, coordination of RJ programs, and program consultation. Their aim is to provide a safe, controlled environment in which offenders, victims, and their families are brought together under the guidance of a trained facilitator to develop a plan to correct what has occurred. Their focus is offender accountability, problem solving, and creating an equal voice for offenders and victims. North Peace Justice Society uses the community forum model for their restorative justice program. Their target group is first-time offenders.

The Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast is currently run by a volunteer board of directors comprised of representatives from the RCMP, School District No. 46 and the wider community. The program aims to provide alternative methods to the traditional court system by highlighting the use and importance of restorative justice practices. The goal of this program is to maximize social justice for victims, offenders and the community and to minimize further harm caused by the offending behaviour. The Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast welcomes all individuals during any stage of the criminal justice process.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District Restorative Justice Services are open to youth (12 – 17) and adults in the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP Detachment area and provide services for a variety of offences. We are primarily a pre-charge services and have accepted some community-based non-criminal referrals. We are located in the People Place at 3402 27th Avenue.

Restorative Justice Victoria (RJV) is a non-profit, community-based organization that facilitates dialogues in the aftermath of crime and harm that occur in the City of Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, and Western Communities. RJV offers a variety of flexible, tailored, and victim-centred restorative justice services throughout all stages of the criminal justice process or outside of the justice system. The organization receives diversion referrals at the pre- or post-charge stage and pre- or post-sentence referrals integrated with the justice system. RJV works with youth and adults, and receives referrals involving minor to serious offences from the Victoria Police Department, Oak Bay Police Department, Victoria and Western Communities Crown Counsel, Victoria Community Corrections (probation), community organizations, schools, and members of the community. Staff can also design and deliver restorative training and facilitate restorative conversations.

Community Youth Justice Services provide restorative conferences for youth who have been charged with an offence. This can occur as part of an extra-judicial sanction, during the sentencing stage, or as part of a sentence. Referrals for restorative conferencing are requested by a judge, probation officer, Crown counsel, or defence counsel. Referrals are based on the voluntary participation of the victims, the young person, and the consent of both defence and Crown counsel. Family Group Conferences, Victim Offender Mediation, and other restorative approaches are used.

The Richmond Restorative Justice Program’s mandate is to provide an alternative approach to punishment and discipline by bringing everyone affected by a crime or conflict together and assisting them to identify and address their needs and obligations as a result of the harm that was caused. Richmond Restorative Justice Program receives referrals from the RCMP, the courts and the community. Participation is voluntary and the accused/offenders must take responsibility for their action before being admitted into the program. Victims and their support networks are encouraged to participate in the process and individuals willing to take part in program go through an interview process to determine the type of process that is suitable to everyone. All programing and services are administered by trained experts. If the accused/offender successfully completes the program, a collaborative resolution agreement is written and signed by all parties.

The Youth Restorative Justice Program at Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services launched in 1994. The purposes of programing is to provide a supportive and non-judgement environments for all parties who are impacted by an offence, to discuss the harm, provide support services and provide a means of reparation. All programing uses restorative justice approaches to provide awareness, mentoring and prevention programs to youth between the ages of 12-24 who may be in conflict with the law.

The Saanich Community Justice Initiatives Program is part of a large network of John Howard Societies across Canada. This program is an alternative to tradition justice systems and uses an innovative process out of court to deal with an offence. The Saanich Community Justice Initiative offers community conferencing, victim/offender resolution meetings and diversion programing. Restorative justice principles are incorporated in all programing and services. Referrals are received from the Saanich Police Department, crown counsel and other agencies. In order for the process to continue the accused must admit involvement in the matter, and agree to participate in the program.

The Saanich Peninsula Restorative Justice Program works with community partners and trained volunteers who facilitate community and family conferences for cases referred by police. They provide regular restitution services in three local middle schools. They organize and facilitate girls’ circles in certain schools, offer mentoring when needed, and collaborate with First Nations to expand and enhance restorative practices in their communities. The Program also provides restorative practice training, information workshops, and collaborates with its community partners to provide restitution training.

The Secwepemc Community Justice Program develops more satisfactory resolutions of criminal matters involving Aboriginal offenders and victims than are currently provided by the mainstream criminal justice system as well as work in healing and reintegration circles for past harms (including historically or completion of incarceration sentencing). It also provides the necessary training to anyone working with victims or offenders to ensure that the needs and rights of these individuals are met.

The South Island Wellness Society Restorative Justice Program provides holistic services to those in contact with the justice system- from pre-charge to post charge. The program works with the nations when there is a Diversion file, community referral or Alternative Measures file to ensure cultural appropriateness for the circle process and to ensure the healing and wellness of the community, the affected party and responsible party. The Justice program works closely with Corrections to seek out referrals for Alternative Measures, Client monitoring or Wellness Planning.

The South Okanagan Aboriginal Restorative Justice Program provides services which will empower the community to administer justice to improve the overall health of the community. It provides to multiple entry point services to adult and youth members of the South Okanagan Bands, and other Aboriginal people located within its territory. The objective of the Program is to find practical solutions to Aboriginal justice concerns in the community by incorporating Enowkinwixw process and philosophy in all social justice activities. The Program utilizes agency referrals, disciplinary circles, integrated case management circles, and adult restorative sentencing circle processes.

The South Okanagan Similkameen Restorative Justice Program offers restorative justice processes, training, workshops, and presentations to both adult and youth offenders. This pre-charge program accepts referrals from RCMP, schools, and communities. The program facilitates restorative conferences and circles of support and accountability. The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity to heal for all of those involved in incidents that have causes harm and to develop a plan for the offender to address the harm and move forward in a positive and productive manner. Their target groups are youth and adults.

The St’at’imc Restorative Justice Program develops and implements an Aboriginal justice and conflict resolution program that is tailored to the specific needs and culture of the communities it serves. The Program helps access disciplinary and healing processes for those affected by an offence in the three towns and eleven local communities in the St’at’imc Nation.

The Summerland Community Accountability Program offers restorative justice processes, coordination of RJ programs and program consultation. Files are generated from Summerland RCMP. They utilize the family group conferencing model of support and accountability. Their target groups are youth and adults.

The Surrey Restorative Justice program offers a variety of services to victims and offending parties in the Surrey area including direct and non-direct processes. The program also offers the Safe Driver Dialogue Circle Program, a restorative response to traffic violations and a decision-making workshop that is presented to program participants and schools. Beginning in September 2021, the program will launch the Online Safety and Responsibility Circle Dialogue for victims and offenders of online bullying.

The Terrace Restorative Justice Society aims to repair harm in the community by addressing the victim’s needs and holding the offender accountable for his/her actions. Though the process is most often used for less serious offenses, the process can potentially be used for any crime. All cases are individually evaluated for appropriateness.

The Gateway Restorative Justice Program offers programing that brings victims and their offenders together in a neutral setting. Workers at the Clinton Regional Restorative Justice Society are trained in circle process, peacemaking circles in addition to provide mentoring services. Gateway Restorative Justice Program accepts all individuals during the pre-charge stage of the criminal justice process. This program is supported partly by the Ministry of Justice, as well as municipal and private donations and works to prevents crime and reduces re-offending.

The Tla’amin Justice Program incorporates the Tla’Amin Community Justice Circle into diversion measures, probation supervision and alternative measures for members of the Sliammon First Nation. The Program works with various justice stakeholders to increase the awareness of justice as an integral part of overall community healing.

The Tsay Keh Dene RJ Program provides alternative measures, diversion, and court services. They encourage and support community members to address underlying issues that influence criminal behaviour, by providing offenders with access to group and individual healing programs. Their traditional Restorative Justice Healing Camp is an Elder-driven program in the wilderness. This provides their band members with traditional healing practices and cultural healing along with substance abuse management and respectful relationships groups.

The Tsilhqot’in Restorative Justice Program supports the Tsilhqot’in and Southern Carrier Nations in the development of a community based approach to social justice issues with their youth, families and communities. This is done by assisting in the implementation of sentencing and conflict resolution alternatives that focus on healing, education and employment opportunities. These services, as well as probation support services, can be implemented at any stage of the system, from pre-charge to reintegration.

The Ts’qwaststen Knuctenwac Restorative Justice Committee bridges the Splatsin Band and surrounding communities through restorative measures.

The Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Program provides prevention, diversion and alternative measures to Aboriginal people in the City of Vancouver. Program offers a restorative justice process which focuses on repairing the relationships among those affected by crime, the victim, the offender, their families and the community, while empowering individuals to formulate appropriate responses and strategies to deal with the crime and to directly participate in processes affecting the overall well-being of the community.

We are a non-profit organization whose purpose is to administer community based justice programs and services.

Westcoast Restorative Justice is a program of Westcoast Community Resources Society for all members of the west coast communities from Ucluelet to Tofino. The program is free of charge.

The Wet’suwet’en Unlocking Aboriginal Justice Program provides prevention, pre and post charge diversion, alternative measures, sentence advisory, rehabilitation and victim support within the Wet’suwet’en territory, and Gitxsan nation. The Program allows the community to assume greater responsibility for the administration of justice, and assists the justice system to improve its relevance and effectiveness with First Nations communities. This is accomplished through regular meetings with the Elders Advisory Board, protocol development with local justice agencies, cultural activities, workshops and training, as well as conflict resolution and support agency referrals.

The Williams Lake Community Council for Restorative Justice is a community organization which oversees and guides the development of an alternative justice program that is restorative rather than punitive. The group runs Community Justice/Peace Making Circles for Crown, RCMP, and School District #27.

Youth Restorative Conferencing is offered through The Community Justice Centre (CJC) of the Comox Valley which offers a wide range of servicers from office administration, case co-ordination, and resolution conferencing through to public education, presentations, and other forms of conflict resolution. CJC has a dedicated team of 150 volunteers who perform various functions such as facilitating resolution conferencing, cross-cultural understanding, peacemaking services etc. Typically, the CJC accepts cases involving first time youth offenders, however with the in-depth training off all its volunteers, the CJC is now extended its services to adults, more serious crimes and a greater complexity of conflicts.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Central Okanagan runs the Youth Restorative Justice Program which if offered to youth who have committed minor offences. With the help of trained volunteer mentors, youth, their guardian(s), the victim and other supporters gather together in a process where the youth takes responsibility for their actions, learns how their actions have impacted others and attempts to repair the harm that was caused.

The Youth Services Restorative Justice Program is run by the Burnaby RCMP and provides restorative responses to crime and conflict with referrals from School District 41 and the Burnaby RCMP.

The Yuuhlamk’askw Alternative Justice Program delivers diversion measures for youth and adults. It provides a process that allows individuals in contact with the justice system to be dealt with by using restorative/alternative justice principles outside the mainstream court system. It also lessens the impact of crime and trauma on victims and their families; to assist in their recovery and to assist in the monitoring of adult offenders under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice’s Corrections Branch; and strengthens the capacity of communities to respond effectively to crime. This may include: pre trial release, (bail) and community supervision which include, diversion, electronic monitoring, probation and conditional release such as temporary absences and parole.

The Alternative Justice Program offered through the El’dad Ranch works with men who have come into conflict with the law, and also have intellectual disabilities. The AJP program holds offenders accountable for their actions and provides a safe place to build healthy relationships, gain positive values and learn new skills. The El’dad AJP program is a residence program in addition to a day program which offers vocational training, education, as well other services.

The Salvation Correctional & Justice Services Winnipeg offers numerous restorative justice programs such as the Choose 2 Change Program which is a special program typically offered to men who have been accused and who take responsibility for alleged abuse and violence charges against them. Referrals generally are received from the Crown attorney and the program utilizes motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural concepts and practical skills. Participants are exposed to an in-take meeting, a three day group meeting and a closing meeting. During the group meeting, individuals discuss the causes behind the abuse/violence, how to move forward in a healthy manner, the effects of violence/abuse and non-abusive/violent behaviours for future intimate relationships. This program has a fee for service which is determined based on economic/employment status and is on a sliding-scale basis. When a participant is referred from the Crown attorney, the criminal charges are stayed upon successful completion of the program.

This holistic Program delivers diversion and alternative measures, community sentencing and healing circles that are culturally appropriate and reflect the needs of victims, offenders, family members, and the community. The Program offers counselling to victims, offenders and their extended families, provides support groups, oversight of court ordered assessments, and traditional healing therapy, such as wilderness programs.

Using a restorative community-based justice focus, the program provides healing, traditional teachings and culturally appropriate victim and wrongdoer restoration processes through the use of Circles and Forums to complete mediation and restitution processes. This process is an intensive, individualized care management approach geared towards healthier life choices, utilizing Elders and a traditional holistic medicine wheel approach.

The Program delivers adult and youth criminal diversion programs in First Nation communities, located in Southern Manitoba, with the goal of reducing the number of individuals in contact with the mainstream justice system. The programs are community based and community driven, reflecting the language, traditions and needs of each specific community.

The Program lowers the rates of members of Fisher River Cree Nation who come into contact with the mainstream justice system through diversion, mediation and intervention, utilizing community based and culturally appropriate approaches. The diversions are supported through a Community Justice Committee. The Program accepts precharge, post charge, presentence and post sentence, mediations and advocacy referrals and handles assault - uttering threats, assault with weapon or causing bodily harm, break and enter, unlawfully in dwelling house, possession of property, theft under 5000 and mischief offences. Clients include Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and adults.

The Program delivers an alternative justice program that supports court diversions of Métis individuals away from the mainstream justice system to the Métis community. The Program’s goal is to reduce the number of individuals in contact with the justice system by using local Métis culture and values in a restorative justice approach.

The Program operates pre and post charge diversion programs in 16 member First Nations. The objective of the Program is to administer justice in a manner that is culturally appropriate, through diversions to community justice committees, supported by community justice workers (CJWs). CJWs develop and utilize culturally and community appropriate methods of dealing with diversions that support the community, victim and wrongdoer, and promote restoration and healing.

Recognizing the need to establish concrete and culturally relevant solutions, the leadership has initiated the Restorative Community Justice Strategy Committee through consultation with Chief and Council, Elders Council, community consultations, Healing Ceremonies and Sharing Circles. Programming will include the provision of alternative measures/diversion, traditional healing, victim and wrongdoer restoration processes through Circles and Forums using a traditional holistic medicine wheel approach.

The Program provides culturally appropriate restorative justice services to Aboriginal youth and adults in Winnipeg, Manitoba. These services include victim offender mediation, peacemaking circles and conciliation. The objective of the Program is to restore, heal and transform relationships between offenders, victims and the community, and to prevent recidivism.

Restorative Action Centre offered through Mediation Services (Manitoba) is a legally recognized alternative to court offered through Mediation Services in Manitoba. This program helps individuals who have committed a criminal offence and the victims. All programs and service include restorative justice principles. Once a file is received a casework will begin the paperwork and contact all parties. Participation is voluntary and there are trained volunteers who facilitate the meeting with all parties involved. Roughly 300-500 referrals are received from the Manitoba court system every year.

The Program is a community based diversion program serving both adults and youth, that provides restorative justice alternatives in the community of St. Theresa Point, Manitoba. Through the delivery of traditional healing circles, offender victim mediation and counselling, the Program supports community and victim healing, wrongdoer restoration and addresses substance abuse and incidental offending behaviour.

The Program reduces the number of individuals in contact with the justice system by using local culture and values in a community justice approach. The Program supports court diversions of individuals away from the mainstream justice system to community based alternatives that work in partnership with the mainstream justice system.

In addition to training and education on restorative justice, Westman Mediation Services provides mediation, circles, Adult Alternative Measures, and Extra-Judicial Sanctions. To avoid court, the accused must take responsibility for his/her actions and repair the harm. This program serves the Westman and Parkland Regions.

The Salvation Correctional & Justice Services Winnipeg offers numerous restorative justice programs such as the Women Seeking Alternatives Program. Women Seeking Alternatives is a diversion program offered to females and those presenting as females who are involved in the sex trade as a seller.

The Elsipogtog Restorative Justice Program delivers a diversion/alternative measures and community sentencing program for youth and adults accused or convicted of committing certain criminal offences. The Program engages offenders, victims, Elders and other community members in pre and post charge healing circles, and in post conviction sentencing circles. They also provide support services for victims at risk and their families. This support includes pre trial preparation services and post trial stages (e.g. proceedings of a trial or the outcomes of sentence hearings, update of the final outcomes of a trial) of the Criminal Justice System. The Program also assists and prepares victims during the pre-/post charge stages of the Restorative Justice Program.

In New Brunswick, Diversion can be considered for all eligible cases (youth and adult). Offences eligible for Diversion – and thereby Restorative Justice – are outlined in New Brunswick’s Youth and Adult Diversion Schedule of Offences. Restorative processes are then used at the discretion of Diversion Coordinators and RCMP Community Program Officers (CPOs). Accordingly, Diversion Coordinators and CPOs assume responsibility for the monitoring of the agreement for completion – but must use trained, third-party volunteer facilitators available in their respective communities to serve as facilitators of these processes in order to maintain neutrality.

The Restorative Justice Society at University of New Brunswick (UNB) Law is a not-for-profit, student-run organization that began in 2019. All of our members are UNB Law students. All our student facilitators are trained through the RCMP. We aim to serve the UNB Law community, the Canadian legal community, and the New Brunswick community. Our focus is on offering restorative justice services, particularly circles, to marginalized or vulnerable community members.

Wolastoqey Restorative Justice serves four Wolastoqiyik communities: Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), Bilijk (Kingsclear First Nation), Welamukotuk (Oromocto First Nation), Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Naton). We work with Indigenous youth and adults living in or out of the community. Wolastoqey Restorative Justice offers pre charge circles and possible sentencing circles. The program engages with offenders, victims, Elders, and other community members. All the volunteer facilitators are trained through the RCMP.

The Miawpukek First Nation Healing and Sentencing Program strengthens the capacity of the local First Nation in regards to the management of justice issues; promotes community-building practices; and remains current with the evolving roles of the Provincial and Federal Justice Systems on a local level as well as on a larger scale. It does this by promoting the Mi’kmaw Traditional Justice practices through healing and sentencing circles, by conducting community and school presentations, and by gathering feedback and information from community members on the benefits of the circle process.

The Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Community-based Justice Program aims to strengthen the capacity in the community by ensuring that the community members have access to justice services, with the objectives of providing support and direction to the community justice workers, sharing information and knowledge, promoting partnerships and enhancing communication among parties.

The Aklavik Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Behdzi Ahda Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Délı̨ne Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Fort Good Hope Justice Committee Community Justice program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Fort McPherson Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Fort Providence Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Deninu K’ue Youth Justice Committee Community Justice program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Fort Simpson Youth Justice Committee Community Justice program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Fort Smith Youth Justice Committee Community Justice program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Hay River Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Inuvik Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Kakisa Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Katlodeeche Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Łutselk’e Youth Justice Committee Community Justice program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Ndilo/Dettah Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Norman Wells Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Paulatuk Justice Committee Community Justice program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Pehdzeh Ki Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Sachs Harbour Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Sambaa K’e Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Sevoliq Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Tlicho Government Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Tlicho Government Community Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Tlicho Government Community Justice Committee (Wekweètì) program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Tlicho Government Community Justice Committee (Whati) program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Tsiigehtchic Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.

The Tulita Dene Justice Committee program works closely with local Justice Committee Members in assisting with all diversion related activities; increases networking opportunities; strengthens relationships with stakeholders; supports the initiation and development of crime prevention programs and activities such as on the land programs for youth; school visits; local cultural and traditional activities; and reintegration support for offenders.