Our Services

Restorative Justice Circle Process

A Community-Based Approach to Justice

Sundre & District Youth Justice Committee, we uses a restorative justice circle process to help youth aged 12-17 who have been charged with criminal offenses make amends and avoid prosecution. Our focus is on repairing harm, rebuilding trust, and fostering positive change within the community. This process brings together youth, their families, victims, and community members to discuss the impact of the offense and to develop a plan that works for everyone involved.

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How It Works

The Process with Youth Restorative Justice

1

Preparation

Facilitators prepare participants by explaining the process, ensuring everyone understands their roles, and establishing ground rules to create a respectful environment.

2

Opening Circle

Participants gather in a circle, promoting equality and open communication. A talking piece (an object passed around) is often used to give each person a chance to speak without interruption.

3

Sharing Experiences

Each participant shares their feelings and perspectives related to the offense. Victims express the impact on their lives, while offenders discuss their actions and motivations.

4

Indentifying Needs & Responsibilities

The group collaboratively identifies the needs of the victims and the responsibilities of the offenders. This can include acknowledgment of harm, apologies, or steps toward restitution.

5

Developing a Plan

Participants work together to create a plan for addressing the harm caused. This plan may include reparative actions the offender agrees to take, fostering accountability and healing.

6

Youth Fulfills Agreement

Over the course of 3-12 weeks, depending on the nature of the harm, the youth who cased harm works towards addressing the reparation plan, with support from a committee facilitator as needed.

7

Closing Circle

Participants re-convene to hear the youth's, and when possible, the victim's experiences of the reparations. The group decides together whether the youth has successfully met the conditions of the agreement. Success is celebrated, and a successful, or unsuccessful report is returned to the Crown Prosecution or police.

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Benefits of Restorative Justice

Community Healing: Our approach strengthens the bonds within the community by encouraging open dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect.
Reduced Recidivism: Youth who participate in the restorative justice circle are less likely to reoffend compared to those who go through the traditional court process.
No Criminal Record: Successful completion of the restorative justice process means the youth can avoid a criminal record, giving them a better chance to move forward positively.
Supportive Environment: We offer ongoing support and resources for youth, helping them navigate their challenges and develop healthier coping strategies.

Support Services

Guiding Youth Toward Positive Change

Youth crime is often influenced by a combination of individual, social, and environmental factors.

Counseling and Mental Health Support

Referrals to professional counseling and mental health services tailored to the needs of the youth.

Treatment Support

Referrals and information on treatment options that address specific issues such as substance abuse or behavioral challenges.

Community Support

Referrals to community resources that support growth, education, and well-being.

Understanding these factors can help in developing effective prevention and intervention strategies to support at-risk youth.

Referrals

Resources Available in Our Community