CANADA
Restorative Justice week focuses on
reconciliation
The District of Squamish is shedding light on a new
kind of conflict resolution by declaring Nov. 13 to 20 Restorative
Justice (RJ) Week. Since 2000, the Sea to Sky RJ Society has attempted
to bring criminals and victims together in a unique way. “Criminal
offences are more than a breaking of the laws; offences harm people and
communities,” said society president Leslie Tenta. “Restorative justice
asks: What is needed to put things right, to undo the harm? What is
needed to help the victims of crime and the offenders to move forward in
the same community?”
The process begins with the offender admitting
responsibility, and a suggestion from authorities to enter conflict
resolution. If the offender and victim agree to meet, a society
coordinator arranges the time and location and informs a restorative
justice facilitator who attends the resolution conference. In the end,
the offender carries out terms of the restitution agreement.
The benefit to the offender is that no criminal
charges are laid and he or she has the opportunity to understand the
impact of their behaviour, and to improve self-esteem by making it
right.
“Young people are often surprised by the effect of
their actions on not only their victims but on their own family and
friends,” said Tenta. “The wrongful behaviour is seen in a different
light, not just as ‘something to do’ or ‘I took it because I wanted it.’
Those harmed are glad to have been able to tell their story, to look the
offender in the eye, and to have some input into how the offender might
move ahead and make better decisions in the future.”
The community also benefits because the offender’s
likelihood of re-offending is decreased and it allows both the offender
and victim a chance to connect with community organizations and support.
So far in 2005, 14 cases have been diverted by the
RCMP to Restorative Justice instead of being forwarded to Crown Counsel
for a possible criminal charge.
This is a huge leap from last year’s caseload of four.
The program has had inconsistent numbers over the years because of
personnel changes at the society and the RCMP, said Tenta.
Financial support has also been a challenge, but it
has been eased considerably for the past two years thanks to district
support and a grant from the Squamish Community Foundation.
Cases directed to restorative justice by the RCMP this
year included assaults, property damage and vandalism, theft under
$5,000, bullying, an accident and possession of stolen property.
“The Society wants to encourage more growth of the
restorative justice program in Squamish,” said Tenta. “We are working
with school personnel to use restorative actions in the school setting.
We look forward to a continued increase in the number of referrals from
the RCMP and we also accept referrals from the general community.”
Sylvie Paillard
12 November 2005
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