It’s National Restorative Justice Week in Canada which aims to raise awareness of restorative justice approaches to crime.Well, the criminal justice system deals with offenders, while restorative justice processes address the needs of victims and the community and holds offenders accountable for the harm they caused.
Most offenders who take part in restorative justice programs keep their commitments, which may include making restitution and completing community services. Prince George offers two Restorative Justice Programs: RCMP Restorative Justice and Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society. Together they discuss the offence, how they have all been affected, and jointly develop a plan that will enable the person who has caused harm to give back to the person they have harmed and to the community, help them to develop coping strategies, and secure the support required to move forward in their lives.