Community Justice Program

Restorative Justice is an alternative to the court system. It is commonly employed for offences such as vandalism, mischief, minor theft, causing a disturbance, etc. On the Southern Gulf Islands, the program relies on referrals from the RCMP and other community organizations such as schools, parks, etc.

Each of the Southern Gulf islands is its own small society and depends on trust between residents. Offences committed in these island societies create immediate harm — a breakdown of trust. This harm affects the victim, the offender and the community around them.

The Restorative Justice process aims at undoing this harm. It offers support for victims and gives offenders an opportunity to atone by engaging affected members of the community.

Restorative justice is commonly defined as an approach to justice that focuses on addressing the harm caused by crime. While holding offenders responsible for their actions, restorative justice provides an opportunity for the parties directly affected by the harm to identify and address their needs in the aftermath of the offence.

Restorative justice is based on an understanding that crime is a violation of people and relationships. The principles of restorative justice are based on respect, compassion and inclusivity. It encourages meaningful engagement and accountability and provides an opportunity for healing, reparation and reintegration. 

In short, Restorative Justice helps build a stronger community. Victims of harm are supported. Offenders have the opportunity to atone. The community has an active role in restoring a sense of safety and cooperation.

Originating in the 1970s as mediation between victims and offenders, restorative justice broadened in the 1990s to include communities of care as well, with victims’ and offenders’ families and friends participating in collaborative processes called “conferences” and “circles.”

Public interest in restorative justice practices is growing and governments around the world are increasingly acknowledging its potential benefits and significance. In 2001 the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice drafted the “Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters” which urged national governments to establish principles for restorative justice practices. The Canadian Federal Department of Justice followed this recommendation with a set of principles and procedural guidelines. The Canadian Youth Criminal Justice Act, passed in 2002, makes provisions for restorative justice alternatives. The BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has a Community Safety and Crime Prevention Branch that provides funding for many of the over 70 restorative justice programs in BC.

Restorative Justice on the Islands

Restorative Justice programs have been operating on Pender and the Outer Gulf Islands since 2001. The current incarnation, the SGI Community Justice Program, formed as a program under the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre in 2018, and has since transitioned to the SGI Neighbourhood House. Our steering committee is currently focusing on providing Restorative Justice facilitator training. All volunteers receive basic training and are encouraged to participate in advanced training and workshops to increase their skills. The program uses conference circles where the victim and the offender, with their supporters, are provided with a safe environment to deal with the harm that has been done and the offender signs a formal contract to make amends. Our program volunteers act as neutral facilitators in the circle and mentors to the victim and to the offender.

Restorative justice is commonly defined as an approach to justice that focuses on addressing the harm caused by crime. While holding offenders responsible for their actions, restorative justice provides an opportunity for the parties directly affected by the harm to identify and address their needs in the aftermath of the offence.

Restorative justice is based on an understanding that crime is a violation of people and relationships. The principles of restorative justice are based on respect, compassion and inclusivity. It encourages meaningful engagement and accountability and provides an opportunity for healing, reparation and reintegration. 

In short, Restorative Justice helps build a stronger community. Victims of harm are supported and offenders have the opportunity to atone. As well, the community has an active role in restoring a sense of safety and cooperation.