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."
A restorative justice program coordinator can be reached by confidential voice mail at 604 [email protected]
