Restorative Justice

 

The South Okanagan Similkameen 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, the program aims to assist all participants in moving forward from an incident in a positive manner.

Over the past 10 years, the program processes approximately 30 files a year on average. Every file involves at least one person harmed, and one person who caused harm, and draws on their respective networks to include a person of support. Many files are more complex in nature, and may involve more than one person harmed, or more than one person who caused harm.

Mark PROVENCAL, Community Policing Coordinator: Restorative Justice and Community Partnerships