About the Restorative Justice Program
The Restorative Justice Program offers alternatives to the criminal justice system for youth and adults in Nanaimo who have been impacted by crime or harm. Referrals are received from Crown Counsel, RCMP, Probation, schools and community members, as well as self-referrals. Program participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds and have been impacted by a diverse range of offences.
The program facilitates a variety of out-of-court and parallel-to-court processes, including restorative dialogues, resolution agreements, and diversionary programming. Staff work closely with participants to identify the root causes of the harm to put in place preventative interventions and supports, while collaborating with the community, victims of crime, and other relevant parties to resolve conflict, promote accountability, and foster healing.
Restorative justice has strong origins in Indigenous peacemaking practices and faith-based accountability processes. Participation is voluntary and processes are inclusive, trauma-informed, and needs-based. In cases requiring culturally appropriate processes, the program consults with Elders, Native Court Workers, and members of the Snuneymuxw Nation.
