Think you have the RJ landscape in BC figured out? In this article we will sharing some quick facts that may broaden your understanding of RJ in BC.

What are the desired outcomes of a restorative justice process?

The successful conclusion of a CEJF is expected to result in the following outcomes:
• restore or compensate for harm done to the environment
• promote a sense of responsibility in the offender
• acknowledge and repair harm done to a community
• improve long term compliance (reduce the likelihood of recidivism)
• build positive relationships between the offender, the community and regulators
• promote general deterrence.

Did you know that British Columbia is home to a rich collection of community-based, Indigenous, Municipal, Provincial, and Federal programs.

These programs work with police, Crown counsel, schools, universities, correctional institutions and BC communities to support and facilitate restorative responses to a range of matters.

Did you know that the RCMP has a long history in supporting a specific conferencing model called the Community Justice Forum?

A Community Justice Forum (CJF) is a traditional community led restorative justice process most appropriate for individual offenders and smaller files (e.g. loaded firearms). Trained facilitators (volunteers and civilian staff) are utilised to conduct CJF.

Did you know that most restorative justice services are offered by non-profit programs?

Most restorative justice programs rely heavily on volunteer resources, with some support from provincial, municipal and private funds. Models such as victim-offender dialogue, conferencing, circles or a hybrid of these are offered to participants.

Did you know that the Youth Criminal Justice Act provides a framework allowing restorative justice processes to be used at any stage of the Youth Justice system?

Community Youth Justice Services strives to provide a continuum of restorative justice practices to communities across BC. Courts can order that a restorative approach be used at the pre-sentence, sentence or post-sentence stage.

Did you know that Indigenous Justice Programs are funded by the Department of Justice and Indigenous governments and offer culturally appropriate ways to address and prevent harm?

Restorative Justice is offered in the form of: 

– Peacemaking, healing or sentencing circles
– Community justice committees
– Elders’ councils
– Diversion protocol
– Conflict resolution
– Mediation

Did you know that the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy applies the principles of restorative justice to the resolution of non-compliance to environmental legislation?

A Community Environmental Justice Forum (CEJF) is a process used to respond to environmental offences committed by regulated companies and organizations. The CEJF process is voluntary – ministry enforcement staff, the offending company, and the affected community must agree to participate.

Did you know that several BC school districts have introduced restorative justice principles and practices within classrooms and school communities?

RJ principles and practises serve both as a framework for building positive school cultures and as a response to conflict, harm and disciplinary issues.