Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
Overview
Restorative justice is a method of resolving disputes that addresses the harm caused by crime or conflict and promotes meaningful resolutions. It is often referred to as ‘alternative dispute resolution.’
It is a voluntary process that addresses the victim’s needs and holds offenders responsible for their actions.
How it works
If you have been involved in a crime or conflict, restorative justice may be suggested to you as an alternative to legal proceedings.
The process allows everyone involved to meet with a restorative justice facilitator and discuss the conflict. It can give you an opportunity to deal with the harm caused by the impact of the event.
Principles
Restorative justice is available through many communities, organizations and non-profit organizations.
All restorative justice programs use the following principles:
- participation is voluntary and based on free, informed, ongoing consent
- all participants are treated with respect
- the victim sought to be engaged
- offenders are:
- held accountable
- encouraged to accept responsibility
- encouraged to make amends
- participation should be meaningful and include everyone
- the physical and psychological safety of all participants is upheld
Meetings
During a meeting, everyone has an opportunity to speak.
You will have discussions that help identify:
- the harm caused by the incident – physical, mental, emotional or spiritual
- what can be done to repair the harm
- who’s responsible for repairing the harm
All meetings are voluntary and you can back out at any time.
Meetings can be attended by:
- victims
- offenders
- family members or the victim or offender
- affected members of the community
- support services
Benefits
There are many benefits to restorative justice, including meaningful resolutions and healing.
Other benefits include:
- a reduced chance of offenders committing other crimes
- greater satisfaction with the process among victims and offenders compared to more formal proceedings
- active participation by communities in the resolution of crimes
Find an agency
Find a restorative justice provider serving your area
Referral form
Restorative Justice Referral Form
The restorative justice referral form is available for criminal justice system stakeholders making post-charge referrals from the Alberta Courts.
Resources
Contact
Connect with Community Safety Initiatives:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-617-4416
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Community Safety Initiatives
Alberta Justice
4th Floor South, Oxbridge Place
9820 106 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6