13.07.2015 Views

Community Accountability Programs Information ... - Ministry of Justice

Community Accountability Programs Information ... - Ministry of Justice

Community Accountability Programs Information ... - Ministry of Justice

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
  • No tags were found...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

clarify the <strong>of</strong>fender’s version <strong>of</strong> the incident until agreement is reachedabout what happened.2. The victim and his or her supporters then talk about the effects <strong>of</strong> the<strong>of</strong>fence on them.3. The <strong>of</strong>fender’s support group also talk about how the incident affectedthem.4. With the help <strong>of</strong> the facilitator, the group achieves consensus on anagreement that describes the actions needed to repair the harm andaddress the <strong>of</strong>fender’s behaviour.HEALING CIRCLES/CIRCLE REMEDY APPROACHESCircle remedies use traditional First Nations justice methods to resolvecriminal behaviour. The circle is an inclusive process in which the entirecommunity is encouraged to express thoughts and feelings about an<strong>of</strong>fence and participate in finding a remedy that will promote healing. Thecircle also <strong>of</strong>ten functions as a pre-sentence advisory process for the court.A circle can be used as a forum for the <strong>of</strong>fender, victim, members <strong>of</strong> thejustice system, and the community to collectively decide on consequencesfor an <strong>of</strong>fence. The goal <strong>of</strong> the circle is to restore balance and harmony tothe community. It creates an atmosphere <strong>of</strong> equality and is thus consideredto be conducive to healing.First Nations elders play a key role in circle remedies as their life experienceand knowledge guide all aspects <strong>of</strong> community life and they are held in highregard for their wisdom. After speaking to the <strong>of</strong>fender about his or herharmful behaviour, the elders consider the nature <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence, its impacton the victim, and the concerns <strong>of</strong> the other participants. The remedy theychoose is intended to promote healing for all parties and re-integrate the<strong>of</strong>fender into the community.NEIGHBOURHOOD ACCOUNTABILITY BOARDS/PANELSNeighbourhood accountability boards determine appropriate sanctions for<strong>of</strong>fenders who have committed crimes in the community. The board usuallyconsists <strong>of</strong> three trained community members who meet with the <strong>of</strong>fenderand his or her family. Often the victim and his or her support group areinvolved as well. The community members hear from all parties present,and the circumstances <strong>of</strong> the crime are discussed. These panels alsoattempt to identify and address the underlying problems that may havecontributed to the criminal behaviour.Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: Promoting <strong>Community</strong>-Based Responses to Crime 11


After the process is complete, the board decides on appropriate reparationmeasures. An agreement is then drawn up that the <strong>of</strong>fender is expected t<strong>of</strong>ulfil. A panel member is chosen to act as a mentor for the <strong>of</strong>fender andensure that the terms <strong>of</strong> the agreement are completed. Once the agreementhas been fulfilled, a final meeting takes place between the panel and the<strong>of</strong>fender. At this meeting the panel congratulates the <strong>of</strong>fender forcompleting the agreement and making amends. The meeting also brings theincident to a close and assures the <strong>of</strong>fender <strong>of</strong> his or her continuedmembership in the community.With volunteers acting as mentors for <strong>of</strong>fenders, this model encourages ahigh degree <strong>of</strong> community participation and commitment. Note, however,that while “justice committees and panels almost certainly embrace theaims <strong>of</strong> restorative justice … they fall short <strong>of</strong> the practice <strong>of</strong> restorativejustice when panel members make decisions on behalf <strong>of</strong> the victim,<strong>of</strong>fender, and the community most closely affected by a crime.” 1 Includingall parties (victim, <strong>of</strong>fender, and the community) increases the restorativenature <strong>of</strong> this model.Staying true to the vision <strong>of</strong> restorative justiceThe Province <strong>of</strong> BC does not endorse any particular restorative justicemodel but supports the adoption <strong>of</strong> restorative approaches as a generalobjective. If your community decides to develop its program along the lines<strong>of</strong> one model, you may incorporate elements from other models that meetyour community’s needs.Regardless <strong>of</strong> the model you select, keep in mind the key elements thatdefine restorative justice programs. Asking yourself the following questionswill help you express the essence <strong>of</strong> restorative justice: 2• Who has been hurt?• What are their needs?• Whose obligations are these?1 Susan Sharpe. Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: A Vision for Healing and Change. Edmonton: EdmontonVictim Offender Mediation Services, 1998, p. 38.2 Howard Zehr. The Little Book <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2002,p. 38.Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: Promoting <strong>Community</strong>-Based Responses to Crime 12


• Who has a stake in this situation?• What is the appropriate process to involve stakeholders in an effort toput things right?When developing the process to be used in your community, consider thefollowing: 3• Address harms, needs, and causes.• Hold victim involvement as central.• Involve all the relevant stakeholders. Ensure preparation and safety forall participants.• Facilitate dialogue among all those who are involved, and provideopportunities for participatory decision making. Treat all parties withrespect.• Encourage <strong>of</strong>fenders to take responsibility.• Strive for <strong>of</strong>fender reintegration into the community.• Ensure adequate resources for reparation and reintegration.• Address systemic pressures toward crime.To gauge where your program fits within restorative approaches, use the“restorative justice yardstick” 4 shown on the following pages.3 This list combines suggestions made by Susan Sharpe in Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: A Vision forHealing and Change, p. 19, and by Howard Zehr in The Little Book <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>,p. 55.4 Howard Zehr. Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and <strong>Justice</strong>. Scottdale, PA: HeraldPress, 1990, p. 54.Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: Promoting <strong>Community</strong>-Based Responses to Crime 13


Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> YardstickDo victims experience justice?Do <strong>of</strong>fenders experience justice?Is the victim-<strong>of</strong>fender relationshipaddressed?Are community concerns takeninto account?• Do victims have sufficient opportunities to telltheir truth to relevant listeners?• Do victims receive needed compensation orrestitution?• Is the injustice adequately acknowledged?• Are victims sufficiently protected againstfurther violation?• Does the outcome adequately reflect theseverity <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence?• Do victims receive adequate information aboutthe crime, the <strong>of</strong>fender, and the legal process?• Do victims have a voice in the legal process?• Is the experience <strong>of</strong> justice adequately public?• Do victims receive adequate support fromothers?• Do victims’ families receive adequate assistanceand support?• Are other needs – material, psychological, andspiritual – being addressed?• Are <strong>of</strong>fenders encouraged to understand andtake responsibility for what they have done?• Are misattributions (distortions <strong>of</strong> fact, falseblaming, etc.) challenged?• Are <strong>of</strong>fenders given encouragement andopportunities to make things right?• Are <strong>of</strong>fenders given opportunities to participatein the process?• Are <strong>of</strong>fenders encouraged to change theirbehaviour?• Is there a mechanism for monitoring orverifying these changes?• Are <strong>of</strong>fenders’ needs being addressed?• Do <strong>of</strong>fenders’ families receive support andassistance?• Is there an opportunity for victims and<strong>of</strong>fenders to meet, if appropriate?• Is there an opportunity for victims and<strong>of</strong>fenders to exchange information about theevent and about one another?• Are the process and the outcome sufficientlypublic?• Is community protection being addressed?• Is there a need for restitution or a symbolicaction for the community?• Is the community represented in some way inthe legal process?Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: Promoting <strong>Community</strong>-Based Responses to Crime 14


Is the future addressed?• Is there provision for solving the problems thatled to this event?• Is there provision for solving problems causedby this event?• Have future intentions been addressed?• Are there provisions for monitoring andverifying outcomes and for problem solving?Things to considerAnyone involved in developing a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program mustbe aware <strong>of</strong> the impact that the program can have on people’s lives.Because <strong>of</strong> the potential for intrusiveness, it should be undertaken withcare. A cardinal rule <strong>of</strong> the program must be “Do no further harm.” You willneed to make every effort to ensure that victims are not re-victimized whenthey participate in the program, that <strong>of</strong>fenders are dealt with fairly and inan appropriate manner, and that all participants are treated with respectand dignity at all times.This section highlights some very important considerations for you to keepin mind before starting a program. While many <strong>of</strong> these issues arediscussed in greater detail in Part 3, they are introduced here to emphasizetheir importance in the program planning process.Accepting referralsBe aware <strong>of</strong> the types <strong>of</strong> cases that your program should and should notaccept. <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> should not handle cases thatinvolve violence against women in relationships, sexual <strong>of</strong>fences, child abuse,or hate crimes.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> should review the categories <strong>of</strong><strong>of</strong>fences and ensure that they do not accept referrals for cases that fall intoCategories 1 and 2. See Appendix A for an overview <strong>of</strong> the types <strong>of</strong> casesthat fall into each category.Crown counsel has policies that provide guidance on the types <strong>of</strong> cases forwhich alternative measures would and would not be an appropriateresponse. These policies are currently being updated and are therefore notRestorative <strong>Justice</strong>: Promoting <strong>Community</strong>-Based Responses to Crime 15


included in this guide. If you have concerns about the suitability <strong>of</strong> areferral you receive from police or Crown counsel, consult Crown.Responding to client needs• Let victims know that they may choose not to participate in theprogram. Regardless <strong>of</strong> their choice, inform them <strong>of</strong> communityresources and services available to them.• Inform <strong>of</strong>fenders that they have the right to have counsel presentthroughout the process.• Be aware <strong>of</strong> the issues and barriers that people from diverse culturesand communities face. Strive to respond to their needs in a culturallycompetent and inclusive manner. For information on culturalcompetence resources, contact the Aboriginal, Multiculturalism andImmigration <strong>Programs</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Community</strong>,Aboriginal and Women’s Services at http://www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/amip.• Respond appropriately to clients with special needs, such as FetalAlcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Attention Deficit HyperactivityDisorder (ADHD), or other mental, physical, or emotional conditions.• When convening a non-judicial conference to discuss the circumstances<strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence, be prepared to deal with underlying issues that maysurface. For example, you may learn that the victim <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence or the<strong>of</strong>fender has a history <strong>of</strong> abuse. Ensure that your program is able toaccess the appropriate community resources to assist with issues thatmay arise.Figure 2: Underlying IssuesAt non-judicial conferences, victims or <strong>of</strong>fendersmay disclose underlying issues. In many cases, thecrime for which the conference was convened is anindicator <strong>of</strong> other problems that the <strong>of</strong>fender isdealing with, such as drug abuse, violence in thehome, problems with peers, relationship violence,etc. Victims may also disclose issues <strong>of</strong> their own.Make sure that your program develops protocols fordealing with such disclosures. Your program shouldalso establish links with community agencies thatcan provide the appropriate support in the event <strong>of</strong>a disclosure.Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: Promoting <strong>Community</strong>-Based Responses to Crime 16


Administering the program• Ensure that victims and <strong>of</strong>fenders have given written consent forprogram volunteers to contact them. Police should obtain consentbefore they refer the case to your program.• Be aware <strong>of</strong> the potential for conflict <strong>of</strong> interest. For example, in somecases, a program volunteer may know the family <strong>of</strong> either the victim orthe <strong>of</strong>fender. Establish policies to deal with such situations before theyarise.• Enforce policies to safeguard confidentiality and privacy.♦ Confidentiality is a key ethical issue for service providers. Policies onconfidentiality must be in place, and all volunteers should be aware<strong>of</strong> and understand them. Observing strict rules <strong>of</strong> confidentialitywill help you protect your program and the people it serves.♦ Be aware that there are limits to confidentiality, and inform programparticipants accordingly. Non-judicial conference records, forexample, may be subpoenaed by the court. In addition, programvolunteers have a legal duty to report any disclosures <strong>of</strong> child abuseor neglect, or suspected child abuse or neglect.♦ Ensure that information on <strong>of</strong>fenders participating in pre-chargediversion is not entered into police databases, such as CPIC andPIRS. Check with your local detachment about this issue. As amatter <strong>of</strong> policy, if <strong>of</strong>fenders are being dealt with in a pre-chargediversion program, their case files should not be entered into thesesystems. If the file is entered as a matter <strong>of</strong> procedure, thedetachment should ensure that the <strong>of</strong>fender’s record is not flaggedas a criminal record.• Establish and enforce records management policies. These policiesshould address issues such as where program files will be stored and forhow long, who will have access to these files, and what types <strong>of</strong>information will be documented. More information on recordsmanagement concerns is provided on page 41.• Ensure that your program has adequate insurance coverage. Limitedinsurance coverage is available to programs across BC through theprovincial government. For more information, see page 42.Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: Promoting <strong>Community</strong>-Based Responses to Crime 17


Guidelines for Working with Victimsand OffendersThe victim’s perspectiveRespect for the victim is key to an effective <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong>Program. Program volunteers must understand the impact <strong>of</strong> crime onpeople and must be sensitive to the legitimate concerns <strong>of</strong> victims.The rights <strong>of</strong> victimsProvincial and federal legislation, such as the Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime Act, theYouth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act (YCJA), and the Criminal Code contain provisionsthat uphold the rights <strong>of</strong> victims.British Columbia’s Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime Act recognizes a victim’s right to:• Be treated with courtesy and respect by all justice personnel• Receive information on the justice system, victim services, and relatedlegislation• Receive, on request, certain case-specific information on investigation,prosecution, sentencing, and release• Be given a reasonable opportunity to provide victim impact informationfor presentation to the court before sentencing <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fender• Receive independent legal representation if an application has beenmade for disclosure <strong>of</strong> his or her personal recordsThe federal Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act also contains several references tothe rights and needs <strong>of</strong> victims. The Act states that:• Victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect fortheir dignity and privacy, and should suffer the minimum degree <strong>of</strong>inconvenience as a result <strong>of</strong> their involvement with the youth criminaljustice system.• Victims should be provided with information about the proceedings andgiven an opportunity to participate and be heard.Guidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 18


• If a young person is dealt with by an extrajudicial sanction, a police<strong>of</strong>ficer, the Attorney General, the provincial director, or anyorganization established by a province to provide assistance to victimsshall, on request, inform the victim <strong>of</strong> the identity <strong>of</strong> the young personand how the <strong>of</strong>fence has been dealt with.Under the Criminal Code, victims <strong>of</strong> crime are entitled to submit victimimpact statements to the court during the sentencing phase. These impactstatements describe “the harm done to, or loss suffered by, the victimarising from the commission <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence.” When determining theappropriate sentence for an <strong>of</strong>fender, the court is required to consider thesestatements. The victim may also read this statement in court (uponrequest) or present it in any other manner the court considers appropriate.It is worth noting that under the Criminal Code, the term “victim” refers to“a person to whom harm was done or who suffered physical or emotionalloss as a result <strong>of</strong> the commission <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence.” If that person is dead, ill,or otherwise incapable <strong>of</strong> making an impact statement, he or she may berepresented by a spouse or common-law partner, a relative, or anyone whohas custody <strong>of</strong> that person or is responsible for the care or support <strong>of</strong> thatperson or any dependant <strong>of</strong> that person.The Criminal Code recognizes the victim’s right to restitution as well as toan acknowledgment, by the <strong>of</strong>fender, <strong>of</strong> the harm that he or she has causedthe victim. In fact, Section 718 <strong>of</strong> the Criminal Code states that theobjectives <strong>of</strong> sentencing include the following: “to provide reparations forharm done to victims or to the community” and “to promote a sense <strong>of</strong>responsibility in <strong>of</strong>fenders, and acknowledgment <strong>of</strong> the harm done tovictims and to the community.”The Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime Act and documents listing references to victims in theYouth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act and the Criminal Code are included inAppendices B, C, and D, respectively.Dynamics <strong>of</strong> victimization<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> can help victims recover from theharm caused by crime. However, to work effectively with victims, programvolunteers must understand the impact <strong>of</strong> crime, the factors that affect theintensity and duration <strong>of</strong> that impact, and the needs that victimsexperience.Guidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 19


Crime impacts victims in four ways:• Physical: Victims may experience physical injury as a result <strong>of</strong> the crimeor physiological reactions to the related stress.• Financial: Victims may experience the financial impact either as a directresult <strong>of</strong> the crime or as a result <strong>of</strong> not being able to work or havingincreased expenses (medical, child care, and other costs).• Emotional/psychological: Whether the crime is property-related orinvolves personal injury, victims experience varying degrees <strong>of</strong> impact,such as feeling violated, vulnerable, fearful, or disillusioned.• Secondary: The secondary impact <strong>of</strong> crime may involve a lack <strong>of</strong> supportservices, an inappropriate intervention following the crime, theintrusive elements <strong>of</strong> the investigation, or feelings <strong>of</strong> isolation,exclusion, or being judged by others.The impact <strong>of</strong> crime is affected by various factors, including:• Degree, severity, or duration <strong>of</strong> the crime• Victim’s relationship to the <strong>of</strong>fender• Victim’s current life circumstances• Victim’s past experiences• Victim’s coping mechanisms• Service and support received from the immediate responder and others• Outcome <strong>of</strong> the justice processVictims <strong>of</strong> crime <strong>of</strong>ten share certain needs:• Safety: To have their sense <strong>of</strong> security restored• <strong>Information</strong>: To be kept informed and to receive accurate andcomprehensive information• Support: To be heard and supported as they move through the justiceprocess• Referrals: To be referred to victim services or other appropriate agencies• Choice: To be included in the decision-making process• Closure: To be informed <strong>of</strong> the final outcome <strong>of</strong> the caseGuidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 20


Guidelines for working with victims• Be aware <strong>of</strong> the dynamics <strong>of</strong> victimization. Be especially sensitive to thefact that victims may be vulnerable to pressure from anyone seen as anauthority figure (e.g., a police <strong>of</strong>ficer, volunteer, even the <strong>of</strong>fender).• When assessing a referral, determine whether participation in theprocess may jeopardize the victim’s emotional, psychological, orphysical safety.• Give victims complete and accurate information about the restorativejustice process, their choice to participate, and the limits toconfidentiality and privacy. Make sure that victims understand that thegoal <strong>of</strong> the process is not reconciliation and that there is no expectationthat they will forgive the <strong>of</strong>fender.• Be aware that a victim’s readiness to participate in the process isaffected by various factors and that he or she will require support whendeciding whether to participate. Victim services programs have themandate and expertise to provide that support. (For more informationon victim services programs, see page 22.)• Ensure that the victim is represented at the non-judicial conference todiscuss the circumstances <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence. If the victims themselvescannot or are unwilling to attend, have the victim impact statementread at the conference, or arrange for a surrogate to represent thevictim’s perspective and concerns.• Ensure that victims are informed about the outcome <strong>of</strong> the process andany agreement that the <strong>of</strong>fender is expected to fulfil. Recognize that theoutcome for the victim is as important as the outcome for the <strong>of</strong>fenderor the community.• Familiarize yourself with the victim support organizations in your area.You will need this information in order to make effective referrals. (Formore information, see page 22.)• With the help <strong>of</strong> these organizations, develop a checklist <strong>of</strong> victimconcerns that may arise before, during, and after the non-judicialconference. This checklist will enable you to provide victims with thepre- and post-conference support they need.• Work with these agencies to ensure that victims’ needs are met.Consult with victim services staff and volunteers, and include them aspartners in your community work. (See Appendix E.)• When you meet with victims, find out whether they are aware <strong>of</strong> thesupport services available to them and whether they have receivedGuidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 21


service. (For details on the provincial Helpline for victims, see page 23.)Some victims may already be involved with a victim servicesorganization. If so, that agency would be responsible for ensuringconsistency <strong>of</strong> service and ongoing support.• Ensure that program volunteers receive training on victimization andtrauma.Victim support servicesThe Victim Services Division <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and SolicitorGeneral funds a province-wide network <strong>of</strong> victim services programs thatprovide victims <strong>of</strong> crime with emotional support and practical assistancethroughout the justice process, and help them recover from the impact <strong>of</strong>crime.There are two general categories <strong>of</strong> victim support services: police-basedvictim services and specialized victim services. If more than one service isavailable in an area, protocols exist to ensure that services are coordinated.POLICE-BASED VICTIM SERVICESServing as the first point <strong>of</strong> contact for victims, these agencies areresponsible for the following:• Providing information, practical assistance, and emotional support tohelp the victim fully participate in the criminal justice system• Serving as a link between the victim and the justice system• Making referrals to resources• Serving secondary victims <strong>of</strong> crime, such as relatives, friends, andwitnesses• Providing some mobile crisis servicesSPECIALIZED VICTIM SERVICESThese agencies assist victims <strong>of</strong> sexual <strong>of</strong>fences, violence against women inrelationships, and child sexual abuse by providing the following:• <strong>Information</strong>, practical assistance, and emotional support• Crisis servicesGuidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 22


• <strong>Information</strong> on the justice system, court accompaniment, and thirdpartyreports• Referrals to other resources• Services specific to particular cultural communitiesYou will find a directory <strong>of</strong> victim services programs at the following Website: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victim_services/index.htm.In addition to this network <strong>of</strong> programs, the Victim Services Divisionprovides the following support services:• VictimLINK (1 800 563-0808) is a 24-hour, toll-free, multilingual,province-wide telephone service that provides support and informationto victims <strong>of</strong> crime. VictimLINK provides information and referralservices to all victims and immediate crisis support to victims <strong>of</strong> familyand sexual violence.• The Crime Victim Assistance Program (1 866 660-3888) provideseligible victims, immediate family members, and witnesses withfinancial and other benefits.A caution about power-based crimesIn Part 1 <strong>of</strong> this manual, the caution was made that <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>should not handle cases that involve violence against women in relationships, sexual <strong>of</strong>fences,child abuse, or hate crimes.These crimes are <strong>of</strong>ten referred to as “power-based crimes.” These are crimes in which<strong>of</strong>fenders abuse the power they hold over the victim, and the victim feels powerless toresist, avoid, or even speak about what is going on. The power that these <strong>of</strong>fenders wieldmay be physical, emotional, psychological, social, or financial in nature, and is <strong>of</strong>ten basedon gender, age, relationship, ability, race, country <strong>of</strong> origin, sexual orientation, or physicalsize. Most victims <strong>of</strong> crime feel that their ability to make a free choice has been diminishedas a result <strong>of</strong> the experience. Victims <strong>of</strong> power-based crimes feel this more acutely. Hence,they usually require more attention and intensive support than can be provided by a<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program.Guidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 23


Dealing with the <strong>of</strong>fenderBesides formal court proceedings, there are two methods for holding aperson accountable for <strong>of</strong>fences. These are:• Informal police-initiated resolution• Formal Crown-initiated resolution (also known as “alternative measuresprograms”)Both methods are used for adults and youth. For cases involving young<strong>of</strong>fenders, the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act (ss. 4-12) outlines specificrequirements for the use <strong>of</strong> these methods, both <strong>of</strong> which are referred to inthe Act as “extrajudicial measures.”Extrajudicial MeasuresBoth the police and Crown have the ability to impose extrajudicial measures in certaincircumstances.• Informal police-initiated resolution is referred to in the YCJA as “informalextrajudicial measures.” Examples include warnings, cautions, and referrals tocommunity programs, such as <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>, which may helpthe young person avoid committing further <strong>of</strong>fences.• Formal Crown-initiated resolution is referred to in the YCJA as “extrajudicialsanctions.” These sanctions are analogous to the alternative measures programsprovided for in the Criminal Code and the former Young Offenders Act. In these cases,Crown refers an individual to a probation <strong>of</strong>ficer or an accredited program. Formalconsequences are imposed if the individual fails to comply with the terms <strong>of</strong> his or heragreement. Extrajudicial sanctions are considered the most formal type <strong>of</strong> extrajudicialmeasure. 5For more information on extrajudicial measures and the YCJA, see Appendix F.Informal police-initiated resolutionWhen police attend the scene <strong>of</strong> an alleged <strong>of</strong>fence, they investigate theincident, speak with the victim, interview witnesses, and deal with thealleged <strong>of</strong>fender. If victims require support, the police <strong>of</strong>ficer refers them tovictim services organizations in the community. Once the police havedetermined, on reasonable and probable grounds, that a crime has been5 Under the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act, extrajudicial sanctions may be used only if theyouth admits to the <strong>of</strong>fence and only if he or she cannot be adequately dealt withthrough the less formal measures, namely, a warning, caution, or referral.Guidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 24


committed, they then decide how to address the actions <strong>of</strong> the alleged<strong>of</strong>fender.If the police believe that an incident warrants charges or authorizedalternative measures, they complete a Report to Crown Counsel (RCC) andsend it to the local Crown counsel. In some cases, however, the police mayexercise their discretion and deal with the situation in a way that does notinvolve Crown counsel and the courts. In effect, the police “divert” theperson away from the criminal justice system, choosing to handle the casethrough a process <strong>of</strong> informal resolution rather than proceeding withcharges.Informal resolution is used for less serious (Category 3 and 4) criminal<strong>of</strong>fences. (See Appendix A.) This approach includes actions such as:• Giving the <strong>of</strong>fender an informal warning• Sending a formal caution letter to the <strong>of</strong>fender. In the case <strong>of</strong> young<strong>of</strong>fenders, the letter is also sent to their parents.• Referring the <strong>of</strong>fender to a social, health, educational, or other agency• Facilitating an informal resolution between the victim and the <strong>of</strong>fender• Referring the case to a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramFor cases involving youth, the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act contains manyprovisions that encourage the appropriate use <strong>of</strong> extrajudicial measures todeal with less serious <strong>of</strong>fences. For example, under Sections 4 and 6 <strong>of</strong>the Act:• Police <strong>of</strong>ficers are required to consider using extrajudicial measuresbefore deciding to lay charges against a young person (s. 6).• Extrajudicial measures are presumed to be adequate for first-time, nonviolentyoung <strong>of</strong>fenders (s. 4).• Extrajudicial measures may be used even if the young <strong>of</strong>fender has aprevious record or has been dealt with previously through a restorativejustice process (s. 4).When an <strong>of</strong>fence is dealt with through informal resolution, n<strong>of</strong>ormal charges are laid. If the <strong>of</strong>fender does not comply with theterms <strong>of</strong> the informal resolution process, the Crown has no legalauthority to prosecute the original <strong>of</strong>fence.Guidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 25


The ability to track diverted cases, monitor their outcomes, and prosecutefor non-compliance are important considerations for some communities.Consult with your local police to find out whether they prefer that allreferrals be made by Crown counsel to an alternative measures program.Formal Crown-initiated resolution and alternativemeasuresUpon receiving an RCC from a police <strong>of</strong>ficer, Crown counsel reviews thereport and applies a two-part charge-approval test. The Crown firstdetermines whether there is a substantial likelihood <strong>of</strong> conviction or astrong body <strong>of</strong> evidence to present to the court. If so, the Crown thenassesses whether it is in the public interest to prosecute the case.In the charge-approval review process, Crown counsel may take one <strong>of</strong>several actions:• Not approve the charge• Approve the charge and bring the matter to court• Issue a caution letter to the <strong>of</strong>fender and, in the case <strong>of</strong> a young person,to the <strong>of</strong>fender’s parents• Refer the <strong>of</strong>fender to an authorized alternative measures program or toa probation <strong>of</strong>ficerAlternative measures (or, in the case <strong>of</strong> youth, extrajudicial sanctions) areprovided for under the Criminal Code and the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act.The legislation lists a number <strong>of</strong> pre-conditions for the use <strong>of</strong> alternativemeasures:• An agent <strong>of</strong> the Attorney General (Crown counsel) must confirm thatthere is sufficient evidence to proceed with the prosecution <strong>of</strong> the<strong>of</strong>fence and that prosecution <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence is not in any way barred bylaw.• The measures must be part <strong>of</strong> a program <strong>of</strong> alternative measuresauthorized by the Attorney General.• The <strong>of</strong>fender must be informed <strong>of</strong> the alternative measures and mustfully and freely consent to participate.• The <strong>of</strong>fender must be advised <strong>of</strong> his or her right to be represented bycounsel before consenting to participate in the alternative measures.Guidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 26


• The <strong>of</strong>fender must accept responsibility for the act or omission <strong>of</strong> the<strong>of</strong>fence.• The <strong>of</strong>fender does not express the wish to have any charges dealt withby the court.• An agent <strong>of</strong> the Attorney General (Crown counsel) is satisfied that suchmeasures would be appropriate, considering the needs <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fenderand the interests <strong>of</strong> society and the victim.The legislation also stipulates that, if a person who has been dealt with byalternative measures fails to comply with the terms <strong>of</strong> those measures, thecase may be returned to court for prosecution <strong>of</strong> the original <strong>of</strong>fence.Most alternative measures programs are provided through CorrectionsBranch service contracts and, for young <strong>of</strong>fenders, by youth probation<strong>of</strong>ficers with the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Children and Family Development.In summary, there are two methods for holding a person accountable for an<strong>of</strong>fence outside <strong>of</strong> the court process:Also known asInformal resolution<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong><strong>Programs</strong>Initiated by Police CrownFormal resolutionAlternative MeasuresAt the Pre-charge stage Post-charge stageOffenders areWarned, cautioned, or referredto a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong>ProgramUsed for Usually Category 3 and 4<strong>of</strong>fences onlyReferred to an accredited programor probation <strong>of</strong>ficerCrown has discretion over whattypes <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fences can be referredNon-compliance No recourse for non-compliance Cases can be returned to courtYCJA applicationRepresents the informal range<strong>of</strong> responses referred to as“extrajudicial measures”Represents the most formal type<strong>of</strong> extrajudicial measure; referredto as “extrajudicial sanctions”Guidelines for Working with Victims and Offenders 27


Getting StartedIntroductionThe Province <strong>of</strong> British Columbia has supported the incorporation <strong>of</strong>restorative approaches within the justice system by expanding the use <strong>of</strong>alternative measures 6 and encouraging the development <strong>of</strong> <strong>Community</strong><strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>. These approaches are <strong>of</strong>ten called “diversion.”Diversion is the practice <strong>of</strong> employing discretion to hold <strong>of</strong>fendersaccountable, while avoiding having to turn to the courts to resolve lessserious <strong>of</strong>fences. Diversion is used with both adult and young <strong>of</strong>fenders.There are two types <strong>of</strong> diversion:• Informal police-initiated resolution, where police use theirdiscretion to refer minor <strong>of</strong>fences at the pre-charge stage to localcommunity-based programs. The Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act refers toinformal police-initiated resolution as an “extrajudicial measure”available to police when dealing with young <strong>of</strong>fenders. Under theCriminal Code, police are empowered to use their discretion with adult<strong>of</strong>fenders.• Formal Crown-initiated resolution, where Crown uses its discretionto refer <strong>of</strong>fences to an accredited alternative measures program, Youth<strong>Justice</strong> Services (probation), or <strong>Community</strong> Corrections (adultprobation) after the charge-approval process has been completed. TheYCJA refers to these programs as “extrajudicial sanctions.” These are atype <strong>of</strong> extrajudicial measure available for dealing with young <strong>of</strong>fenders.While both types <strong>of</strong> diversion are referred to in the sections that follow,the focus <strong>of</strong> this manual is on pre-charge, informal police-initiatedresolution.6 These are measures other than court proceedings that may be used to deal with aperson who has committed an <strong>of</strong>fence. Legislation stipulates that alternative measuresmay be used only if they do not endanger public safety and only if certain conditions aremet. (See page 26 for more information.) Alternative measures programs are available forboth adult and young <strong>of</strong>fenders.Getting Started 28


Diversion strategies and measures benefit victims, <strong>of</strong>fenders, andcommunities:• They take less time to initiate and complete than court proceedings, soresolutions are more immediate and meaningful to victims and <strong>of</strong>fenders.• They can redress the impacts <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence through restitution tovictims and the community rather than to the Crown.• In some cases, they may incorporate preventive measures, such ascounselling or training, that can reduce the likelihood <strong>of</strong> repeated<strong>of</strong>fences. (The formal justice system also <strong>of</strong>fers these measures.)• They provide a resolution for minor <strong>of</strong>fences, which are <strong>of</strong>ten moreeffectively dealt with at the community level rather than by invokingthe full weight and complexity <strong>of</strong> court proceedings.• They allow victims to be more meaningfully involved in the resolution <strong>of</strong><strong>of</strong>fences, which provides for greater victim satisfaction in the process.• They eliminate the stigma <strong>of</strong> a criminal record for first-time <strong>of</strong>fenderswho have committed minor <strong>of</strong>fences.• They result in low rates <strong>of</strong> re-<strong>of</strong>fending and recidivism, and in high rates<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fender compliance with the agreements reached through therestorative justice process.Developing a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong>ProgramThis section provides some practical advice on how to start a <strong>Community</strong><strong>Accountability</strong> Program and identifies issues and challenges that requirecareful review. While each program will be delivered in a unique way, youmay wish to consider the following points as you begin to develop yours.Needs assessmentDEFINING YOUR COMMUNITYOne <strong>of</strong> the first steps in developing a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Programis to define your community. It need not be limited to a geographic area,such as a small town, a school district, or a neighbourhood. It could be a“community <strong>of</strong> interest” (a shopping mall, for example).Getting Started 29


Defining your community also involves identifying your “justice partners” –the justice agencies, resources, and programs already in place in yourcommunity. For example, what organizations provide services for victims,<strong>of</strong>fenders, and their families? Invite these groups to join or assist you. Askthem to identify gaps in their ability to provide assistance, and exploreways to work with or build on existing services. This will help ensure thatyour program does not duplicate existing resources.GATHERING INFORMATIONKeeping in mind the guidelines for accepting referrals (see page 15),determine what your community’s concerns are. The following questionsmay help:• What types <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fences are committed in your community?• How many youth and adult <strong>of</strong>fenders are there?• What are the demographics <strong>of</strong> your community?• What justice resources are available?• What gaps exist in the way justice is being served in your community?• How are victims supported?• How do justice system agencies and your community relate to oneanother?There are several ways to begin answering these questions:• Review reports on police statistics, victimization, public safety, crimeprevention, and other issues.• Do some research on <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>.• Consult the police for information on local crime problems.• If you are not already familiar with the types <strong>of</strong> crime that occur in yourcommunity, attend court proceedings to gain a better understanding.• Ask community members about their perceptions <strong>of</strong> crime and whatcan be done about it.ANALYZING THE INFORMATIONWhen you have gathered enough information, analyze it. Examine factorssuch as the nature <strong>of</strong> the harm caused to victims, the types <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fenders,Getting Started 30


and how <strong>of</strong>fences are affecting your community. The information andanalysis will help you develop a community pr<strong>of</strong>ile, which will provide asolid foundation for your initiative and help you generate the communitysupport you will need to develop your program.For more information on the needs assessment process, refer to the bookletentitled Identifying Your <strong>Community</strong>’s Crime Problem: A Guide to NeedsAssessment. This booklet forms part <strong>of</strong> the Safe Communities Kit and can bedownloaded from the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and Solicitor General Website at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/community_programs. To order a copy onCD-ROM, contact <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> Division. (See page 4 for contactinformation.)<strong>Community</strong> participationINFORMING THE COMMUNITYThe next step in developing a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program is to calla community meeting. This will allow you to present your information andideas about developing a restorative justice program. It is an effective wayto generate community interest and get people involved.When planning your community meeting, consider the following:• What do you want to achieve through this meeting?• What is the most effective way to present your ideas?• Where is the best place to hold it, and how long should it last?• How should you get the word out so that you can include as manypeople as possible?• How can you ensure that you are reaching out to everyone in yourcommunity and that all sectors and groups are represented?• Do members <strong>of</strong> your community have any travel or commutingconcerns that may affect their ability to attend?When drawing up an invitation list, you may wish to includerepresentatives from local government, justice-related organizations, andother community groups that may have knowledge <strong>of</strong> and experience in thejustice system or restorative justice approaches. Make sure to invitecriminal justice partners from your community, such as the police, Crowncounsel, probation <strong>of</strong>ficers, and victim services organizations. They may beGetting Started 31


able to help identify steps you should take in establishing your program,and provide information and expertise. Always keep your criminal justicepartners involved and informed about the progress <strong>of</strong> your program.During the meeting, present the community pr<strong>of</strong>ile you have drawn up andthe ideas you have for a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program. After a fulldiscussion, canvass interest in the program and encourage individualcommitment to doing further work.If you need help in determining appropriate contacts in your community orplanning your meeting, contact <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> Division. (See page 4for contact information.)ORGANIZING A STEERING COMMITTEEOnce you have held a community meeting and obtained support for yourinitiative, you will be ready to form a steering committee, whose primaryrole is to oversee the development <strong>of</strong> your <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong>Program. The committee will be responsible for the following:• Determining how the program should be developed, implemented, andadministered• Building a strong relationship with local justice partners• Developing program policies and procedures• Identifying volunteer orientation and training needs• Obtaining support for the program from local businesses and othercommunity groups• Raising fundsThe steering committee will not necessarily participate in day-to-dayprogram operation, although some committee members may eventuallychoose to become involved (as facilitators, for example) once the programis up and running.The membership <strong>of</strong> the steering committee should reflect the diversity <strong>of</strong>your community. Make sure to include representatives from:• Local police• Local government• Various cultural groupsGetting Started 32


• Victim services and other justice organizations• Schools• Businesses• Religious organizations• Recreational services• Social services• Offender groups• The justice systemCOMMUNICATIONS – BUILDING AND MAINTAINING COMMUNITY SUPPORTThe success <strong>of</strong> any <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program depends oncommunity support. To build and maintain support, devise acommunication strategy that reaches individuals and groups representingthe various interests and cultures <strong>of</strong> your community.Establishing contact with local media can result in significant exposure foryour program, which in turn can help with public awareness, fundraising,and volunteer recruitment. Find opportunities to tell people about yourprogram, such as:• Radio interviews and local cable TV shows• Distribution <strong>of</strong> written materials• Presentations to religious organizations, civic groups, college or highschool classes, violence prevention groups, local or provincialgovernment agencies, and social groupsBuild your message around stories <strong>of</strong> real-life experiences, especially thoseabout local people or conditions. Be careful, however, to respectconfidentiality.Highlight the differences between <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> andthe court system. Let people know why you believe the restorative justiceapproach will benefit your community.Getting Started 33


GOAL SETTINGAlong with these organizational, research, and public awareness efforts,you will need to focus time and energy on defining and developing your<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program.The first step in defining your program is to establish its purpose andobjectives. The purpose (<strong>of</strong>ten referred to as a “mission statement”) is theprogram’s overall aim and its reason for being. It describes in general termswhat you intend to accomplish. Keep your mission statement as simpleand concise as possible.Objectives, on the other hand, are specific targets you want to achieve.They should be stated in clear and measurable ways as they will be yourbasis for evaluating the program later on.To set your program purpose and objectives, draw on the results <strong>of</strong> yourresearch and community consultations. Review the community pr<strong>of</strong>ile youdeveloped. Consider the following questions:• What issues generated the ideas for your program?• What community crime concerns will your program address?• What gaps in service will it meet?• What clientele will it work with – adults, youth, or both?• What are its limits?• What restorative justice model will it implement?If you need help in articulating your program’s mission and objectives,consider approaching other community programs for advice or consult thefollowing Safe Communities Kit booklets:• Getting Your Crime Prevention Strategies Underway: Project PlanningGuide• Splash and Ripple: Using Outcomes to Design and Guide <strong>Community</strong><strong>Justice</strong> Work(See page 31 for details on how to obtain a copy <strong>of</strong> the Safe CommunitiesKit.)Once you have set your program goal and objectives, you will need adetailed plan for program development and implementation. Create aworkplan that lists all the activities to be completed. Identify who willGetting Started 34


undertake each action, and set realistic timelines. This exercise will helpyour group set priorities. This is important because the success <strong>of</strong> acommunity program <strong>of</strong>ten depends on how thoroughly a workplan isdeveloped and followed.Funding and resourcesThink about the funding and resources you will need to establish yourprogram, and identify possible sources <strong>of</strong> assistance. There may be anumber <strong>of</strong> sources right in your community. Social organizations,municipal agencies, and local businesses may see a vital need for a<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program and may be willing to provide fundingor in-kind assistance. Strive to keep your program as self-sufficient aspossible to ensure that it stays community-driven and that yourcommunity members feel they have ownership <strong>of</strong> an initiative thataddresses their needs.The <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and Solicitor General recognizes thatprograms may require start-up funding (for initial research, development <strong>of</strong>communication materials, volunteer outreach, etc.) as well as support forongoing operations. For more information on the financial assistanceavailable through the ministry, refer to page 49.VolunteersRECRUITMENTYour program will need dedicated volunteers who are trained to work withand support victims and <strong>of</strong>fenders. Recruiting good volunteers is not aquick or simple process. It requires public promotion <strong>of</strong> your program andsufficient time for screening and training. Since cases will be dealt with atvarious times <strong>of</strong> the day, you will need as many volunteers as possible tocover each day’s schedule. Determine how many volunteers you need andthen allow for more, in case some <strong>of</strong> them find that they cannot commitmuch time to the program.When planning your recruitment efforts, consider the following:• How many volunteers are necessary to make the program function?• How can you ensure that the volunteers you recruit are representative<strong>of</strong> the community?Getting Started 35


• What responsibilities will volunteers have?• Who will screen volunteers and how will that be done?• What kind <strong>of</strong> training will volunteers need?• What kind <strong>of</strong> support will they need?Consider holding a volunteer recruitment meeting. Have volunteerapplication forms, sign-up sheets, and clearly worded job descriptionsavailable at the meeting. Ask those in attendance to spread the word. Postsigns throughout the community, including at the volunteer bureau.ORIENTATION AND TRAININGVolunteer training is an ongoing process. Its goal is to ensure thatvolunteers who work with victims and <strong>of</strong>fenders respect the rights <strong>of</strong> theseindividuals and strive to meet their needs. Adequate training also ensuresthat volunteers feel prepared and able to fulfil the tasks assigned to them.If you need help in developing your training plan, consider approachingother community-based programs for advice. (Check the ProvincialDirectory <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> found in Appendix G.) Yourcriminal justice partners (local victim services organizations in particular)may have information and resources that could assist you. Your ownvolunteers may have expertise in particular areas or may know other peoplewho can help.When deciding when and where to hold your orientation and trainingsessions, try to be flexible as volunteers will likely have othercommitments. Be prepared to hold the sessions more than once to ensurethat everyone receives the necessary information.Include the following topics in your training sessions:• Overview <strong>of</strong> restorative justice• Your program model• Job descriptions, roles, and responsibilities• Program policies and procedures• Skills training on facilitation, mediation, conflict resolution, andcommunicationGetting Started 36


• Effects <strong>of</strong> victimization• Working with victims and <strong>of</strong>fenders• Relevant legislation, such as the Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime Act, the CriminalCode, and the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act• How the justice system operates• Working with justice system partners• Cultural sensitivity• Dealing with crises and complaintsMore information on training resources is provided in Appendix H.MOTIVATION AND RETENTIONYou should also consider how you will maintain your volunteer base onceit is established. Develop strategies for ongoing recruitment, for ensuringthat the work volunteers do for your program is meaningful and rewarding,and for recognizing their talents and participation. This can be done in avariety <strong>of</strong> ways. Here are some examples:• By providing training opportunities, you give volunteers the expertise tomake their work more productive and enjoyable. This can help yourprogram retain volunteers.• Thank-you notes, awards, certificates, acknowledgements, and evenprizes show everyone that their work is appreciated.• Consider nominating a volunteer, a local youth, or another communitypartner for one <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and Solicitor General’sCrime Prevention and <strong>Community</strong> Safety Awards. Nominations for avariety <strong>of</strong> categories are called in the late spring and the awards areissued every September. For more information about these awards,contact <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> Division. (See page 4 for contactinformation.)To create meaningful volunteer appreciation activities, you mustunderstand why each <strong>of</strong> your volunteers has decided to work with yourprogram. Why have they joined your organization? What drives them?What are their personal interests? While public recognition is important forsome, others may want nothing more than to have their contributionsnoticed by their team-mates. Sue Vineyard’s book, Beyond Banquets,Plaques and Pins: Creative Ways to Recognize Volunteers and Staff, is fullGetting Started 37


<strong>of</strong> interesting ideas. For more information about this book, visit theMarketplace section <strong>of</strong> the Volunteer Canada Web site atwww.volunteer.ca.Program management policiesYou will need to develop policies that address the following importantissues:• Confidentiality• Criminal record checks for volunteers• Reference checks for volunteers• Records management• Handling complaints and critical incidents• Liability• Volunteer appreciation and recognition (See page 37 for moreinformation on this topic.)CONFIDENTIALITYMaintaining confidentiality when dealing with victims, <strong>of</strong>fenders, and thecommunity is extremely important. We recommend that each programdevelop a confidentiality policy that covers the following points:• Program participants must be apprised <strong>of</strong> the policy. They must also beforewarned <strong>of</strong> the limits to confidentiality. They should be aware, forexample, that conference records may be subpoenaed by the court andthat program volunteers have the legal duty to report any instanceswhere there are reasonable grounds to believe that a child is beingabused or neglected or is for any other reason in need <strong>of</strong> protection. Insuch cases, the report should be made to the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Children andFamily Development (MCFD). Reports can be made to the MCFDHelpline for Children at 310-1234 (no area code needed). For moreinformation, check this Web site:http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/getting_help/help.htm.• The program must not release any personal information about anyparticipant unless it has obtained permission to do so from the personconcerned. Wherever possible, permission should be obtained inwriting.Getting Started 38


• Volunteers and any other persons involved in the program must adherestrictly to program policies on the release <strong>of</strong> information to individualsor agencies.• <strong>Information</strong> on the disposition <strong>of</strong> a case or the results <strong>of</strong> a person’sparticipation in the restorative justice process may be disclosed only toauthorized personnel <strong>of</strong> the referring agency.• No aspect <strong>of</strong> a case may be discussed with any person outside theprogram.Anyone associated with the program should be made fully aware <strong>of</strong> thepolicy and should commit to abide by it. Swearing an oath or affirmationhas the effect <strong>of</strong> solemnizing such a commitment and emphasizes theseriousness <strong>of</strong> the issue. (Appendices I and J contain a sample oath <strong>of</strong>confidentiality and a sample <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramAgreement, respectively.)CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKSWe also recommend that you develop a policy on criminal record checks forprogram volunteers. A criminal record check is a database search carriedout by police to determine whether a person has a criminal record. Inaccordance with the requirements <strong>of</strong> the BC Freedom <strong>of</strong> <strong>Information</strong> andProtection <strong>of</strong> Privacy Act and Section 8(1) <strong>of</strong> the federal Privacy Act, thisprocedure cannot be performed without the person’s consent.All those who apply for volunteer positions in your program should beinformed that this check is an application requirement and should be askedwhether they consent to it. They should also be informed that the results<strong>of</strong> the check may or may not disqualify them from involvement in theprogram. If applicants agree to the procedure, they should bring a signedconsent form to the local detachment. Fingerprinting may be required tocomplete the process. Results are sent directly to the organization.Applicants should then be given the opportunity to explain any findingsthat may preclude them from involvement in your program.When developing your criminal record check policy, consider the following:• How will the applicant’s privacy be protected during this process? Forexample, where and how will the information be stored and who willhave access to it?Getting Started 39


• What criteria will be used to determine whether the presence <strong>of</strong> acriminal record is relevant to the position being applied for?• Who will be responsible for assessing the relevance <strong>of</strong> a criminal record?• What criteria will be used to determine whether the presence <strong>of</strong> acriminal record should disqualify an applicant?• Who will be responsible for determining whether an applicant shouldbe disqualified?• Will an appeal mechanism be in place for disqualified applicants?• Will applicants be required to cover the cost <strong>of</strong> their own criminal recordcheck? (Note that the RCMP may be willing to provide the service at nocost as one aspect <strong>of</strong> their partnership with your program.)Be aware that there are limitations to criminal record checks. Not allconvictions will be on record. A search may reveal some convictions, peacebonds, conditional discharges, and dispositions, but will not provideinformation about investigations, pardons, pending charges, or criminalconvictions in other countries. Hence, criminal record checks are just onestep in the screening process. You can supplement these checks withcareful interviews and thorough reference checks.A number <strong>of</strong> volunteer organizations have policies on conducting criminalrecord checks. It may be helpful for you to review these. You should alsocontact your local police to find out how criminal record checks are done inyour community and if there are any costs involved.REFERENCE CHECKSIt would be prudent to conduct reference checks in addition to criminalrecord checks for your volunteers. This will allow you to assess thecharacter and suitability <strong>of</strong> each volunteer and provide you withinformation on work experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. As aguideline, request a minimum <strong>of</strong> three references from each applicant.Reference questions may include the following:• Does the applicant work well with people?• Does the applicant have good listening and communication skills?• Does the applicant have experience and abilities relevant to the position?• What strengths will the applicant bring to the program?Getting Started 40


RECORDS MANAGEMENTThe goal <strong>of</strong> a records management system is to ensure that programrecords are properly filed, stored, and protected from damage, theft, andany unauthorized access. An effective records management system helpspreserve confidentiality and privacy.When developing your records management policy and procedures,consider the following:• What types <strong>of</strong> information should be documented?• What kinds <strong>of</strong> records will be kept?• How can the program facilitate authorized access to records whilepreserving confidentiality and privacy?• What kind <strong>of</strong> security measures need to be taken?• How long will records be retained?• How will non-current files be stored?• How will records be disposed <strong>of</strong> once they are no longer needed?Case files are normally returned to the referring agent upon completion <strong>of</strong>the case. However, any relevant information in your program files may beaccessible through the Freedom <strong>of</strong> <strong>Information</strong> and Protection <strong>of</strong> Privacy Act(FOIPP). More information on the requirements <strong>of</strong> the FOIPP Act isavailable at http://www.lcs.gov.bc.ca/privacyaccess/index_toc.htm.HANDLING COMPLAINTS AND CRITICAL INCIDENTSAt one time or another, your program will need to deal with complaints aswell as unforeseen incidents that can put the program at risk. You will needto set up a process by which program volunteers and participants candocument and report complaints and critical incidents. Reporting,documenting, and responding to complaints and critical incidents shouldbe a simple and open process that is accessible to everyone. (Appendix Kprovides a sample <strong>of</strong> a critical incident report form.)Not all incidents or complaints need to be reported to the steeringcommittee, but some do. Here are a few examples:• A person says that he or she wants to harm himself/herself or anotherperson.Getting Started 41


• An accident involving a client, volunteer, or visitor occurs on thepremises <strong>of</strong> the program or elsewhere while program business is beingconducted.• An internal or external complaint is made, alleging harassment or unfairtreatment by program volunteers.• A workplace hazard or unsafe practice is identified.Determine who will be responsible for assessing the severity <strong>of</strong> incidents,and detail the procedures for dealing with them. You should also be familiarwith the complaints process <strong>of</strong> the agencies with which your program works.For example, any complaint alleging misconduct by an RCMP <strong>of</strong>ficer shouldbe forwarded to the Office <strong>of</strong> the Police Complaint Commissioner. If you areuncertain how to proceed with a complaint or critical incident, contact<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> Division. (See page 4 for contact information.)If there are reasonable grounds to believe that a child is being abused or neglected or is forany other reason in need <strong>of</strong> protection, a report must be made to the <strong>Ministry</strong> for Childrenand Family Development (MCFD). Reports can be made to the MCFD Helpline for Childrenat 310-1234 (no area code needed). Ensure that all staff and volunteers understand thisresponsibility and are familiar with the procedures and mechanisms for reporting suchcases.LIABILITYYour program must also be prepared to deal with situations that may placeit in a position <strong>of</strong> liability. Your municipal government, umbrellaorganization, or other justice-serving programs in your community may beable to help you with insurance and liability coverage. We recommend,however, that you obtain legal advice on this issue.The Province <strong>of</strong> British Columbia, through the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety andSolicitor General, Risk Management Branch, provides <strong>Community</strong><strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> with access to limited insurance coverage. Yourprogram may qualify for one <strong>of</strong> the following options:• Volunteer Insurance ProgramThis program provides a Comprehensive/Commercial General Liability(CGL) policy and an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD & D)policy. The coverage is provided for persons who volunteer directly toor for the province and also for Order in Council per diem appointees.To be eligible, volunteers must be reporting to and under the directionGetting Started 42


<strong>of</strong> the provincial government. The province is responsible for monitoringthe volunteer services and developing and enforcing any standards <strong>of</strong>service.• Master Insurance Policy (MIP)This is a Comprehensive/Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy<strong>of</strong>fered to eligible agencies which, under a Transfer Agreement or Grant,provide program services to third parties on behalf <strong>of</strong> government.There must be a formal agreement describing the service. Thecontracting <strong>of</strong>fice must register the agency/contractor (or grantrecipient) with the insurance broker (AON Reed Stenhouse). The MIPdoes not include AD & D coverage. If this coverage is desired, it is up tothe agency/contractor/grant recipient to arrange for it through thecommercial insurance market.These insurance options apply to <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> inthe following ways:• <strong>Programs</strong> that do not receive funding through a society or other legalentity and that are provided by volunteers reporting directly to theprovince (e.g., the provincial <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>coordinator) may be covered under the Volunteer Insurance Program.• <strong>Programs</strong> that are provided by a society that receives funding from theprovince and that use volunteers to provide the service may be eligibleto receive Master Insurance Policy coverage. Such programs would notbe eligible for Volunteer Insurance Program coverage because thevolunteers do not report directly to the province.Every June, the Risk Management Team <strong>of</strong> the ministry’s Finance and AdministrationDivision asks all ministry branches to report the number <strong>of</strong> volunteers to be coveredthrough these policies. <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> requiring coverage throughthese policies must therefore submit volunteer numbers to the provincial coordinator byMay 15 <strong>of</strong> each year. (See page 4 for contact information.)Getting Started 43


Operating proceduresThe following guidelines are meant to assist <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong><strong>Programs</strong> to deliver alternative justice services in a manner consistent withthe principles set out in the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act. Although theseguidelines are applicable to youth referrals, the information on ProgramDelivery Expectations and Eligibility Criteria may be applicable to adultreferrals also.NoteThe following guidelines apply to <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> that <strong>of</strong>ferconferencing services, but they do not apply and should not be confused with the specificconferencing provisions <strong>of</strong> the YCJA (Section 19), which allow the police (among others)the discretion to conduct a conference about a young person for the purposes <strong>of</strong>determining the appropriate course <strong>of</strong> action under the YCJA. If, as a result <strong>of</strong> a policeinitiatedconference, the police decide to refer the young person to a <strong>Community</strong><strong>Accountability</strong> Program, the police will inherently have an interest in the process andoutcomes, as they are accountable under the Police Act. If a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong>Program process is deemed to be flawed, clearly biased, unfair, or lacking due process, the<strong>of</strong>ficer is obliged to withdraw the matter and take appropriate action.PROGRAM DELIVERY EXPECTATIONSThe Pre-Charge Protocol forms the operational basis for the delivery <strong>of</strong>services by <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>, which are required tocarry out the following:• Ensure that the police have provided the program with the writtenconsent <strong>of</strong> the victim and <strong>of</strong>fender (and, if they are under the age <strong>of</strong> 19,<strong>of</strong> their parent or guardian) for the release <strong>of</strong> personal information(including name, address, and telephone number). The written consentshould be provided to the program before the program initiates contactwith the victim and <strong>of</strong>fender.• Assess the victim’s needs and willingness to voluntarily participate inthe process.• Assess the young person’s needs and ensure acceptance <strong>of</strong>responsibility.• Assess the community’s needs and the willingness <strong>of</strong> communitymembers to participate in a conferencing process.• Explain to the victim, <strong>of</strong>fender, and all other participants the justiceprocess, the conferencing process, and their roles in each.Getting Started 44


• Facilitate restorative justice conferences.• Provide follow-up service to the victim and <strong>of</strong>fender, including themonitoring <strong>of</strong> the agreement.• Ensure that the agreement reached does not impose an outcome that ismore onerous than what the young person would reasonably expectthrough the traditional criminal justice system process, and that theoutcome is fair and proportionate to the crime.• Ensure that opportunities exist in the community for the young personto make amends.• Recognize that all discussions, notes, recordings, documentation, orwritten reports associated with the process are deemed to beconfidential and are subject to all <strong>of</strong> the provisions related toconfidentiality and youth records set out in the YCJA.• Ensure that a sufficient training plan is in place which incorporates theparticulars associated with the conferencing process.ELIGIBILITY CRITERIABefore a youth is accepted by a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program, theprogram representative(s) should confirm with the police that the followingminimum requirements have been met or are understood:• The referral is considered appropriate with regard to the interests <strong>of</strong> thevictim, the young person, and the community.• Referrals are made by the police for Category 3 and 4 <strong>of</strong>fences only.(See Appendix A.)• Situations involving sexual <strong>of</strong>fences, relationship violence/abuse, childabuse, and hate-motivated crimes are not referred.• Prosecution <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence is not barred by law.• There must be demonstrated community and criminal justice systemsupport, including the support <strong>of</strong> victim services organizations.• If a community-based conferencing process occurs, the young personmust attend.• Every effort should be made to ensure that the young person isaccompanied by a parent or other supportive person.• For pre-charge police-based referrals to <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong><strong>Programs</strong>, there is no legal recourse for non-compliance.Getting Started 45


CONFERENCING GUIDELINESAt all times – Confidentiality is paramountConfidentiality is paramount. <strong>Programs</strong> must ensure that the followingguidelines are understood by all participants involved:• <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program conference participants will beexpected to keep confidential any information shared during aconference. Participants should be advised, however, that there are nolegal provisions protecting the confidentiality <strong>of</strong> such information (apartfrom the information that would identify the young person or a victimunder 18). For example, conference participants could be subject tosubpoena regarding information obtained during a conference that isconsidered relevant in other civil or criminal proceedings.• There are legal limits on the use <strong>of</strong> statements made by youths in prechargeextrajudicial measures. In general, statements cannot be used insubsequent proceedings, although absolute confidentiality cannot beguaranteed.• The youth’s identity and other information regarding his or herparticipation in the <strong>of</strong>fence can only be disclosed in accordance withthe provisions <strong>of</strong> the YCJA. (Note: Police are obliged to inform the victim<strong>of</strong> the young person’s identity.)• <strong>Information</strong> regarding a youth’s participation in a <strong>Community</strong><strong>Accountability</strong> Program conference may not be used in any subsequentcourt proceedings as evidence <strong>of</strong> prior <strong>of</strong>fending, but it may be sharedwith other law enforcement personnel.Before, during, and after a conferenceBefore a conferenceis convened• Policies to deal with criminal record checks, conflict <strong>of</strong>interest, and breach <strong>of</strong> confidentiality for all participantsmust be in place.• The victim, young person, and community members areactively involved in the justice process at the outset.• All victims and young persons who participate in a<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program conference are madeaware <strong>of</strong> support services available to them in theircommunities.Getting Started 46


Before a conferenceis convened(continued)During a conferenceAfter a conferencehas concluded• A complaints process regarding the conference must beestablished and accessible to all participants, and they aremade aware <strong>of</strong> this process.• All participants have an opportunity to have the process andpotential outcomes fully explained to them by a programrepresentative.• The referring agent and/or program representative mustinitiate the approach with the young person and the victim.• All parties choose to participate in the process voluntarily andare not under any threat or coercion to do so by any party.• A letter <strong>of</strong> informed consent is obtained from all partiesparticipating in the process, acknowledging that the processhas been fully explained and that they agree to take part.• The nature <strong>of</strong> the alleged <strong>of</strong>fence must be explained to theyoung person, who must voluntarily accept responsibilityand accountability for the harm done.• The young person (and parents or legal guardians) have beenfully apprised <strong>of</strong> their right to legal counsel and their right tohave the matter dealt with in a different manner.• The requirements and limits <strong>of</strong> confidentiality are fullyexplained to all participants.• All participants are treated with respect and dignity at alltimes.• Involvement in the process is safe and accessible, and doesnot endanger any participant.• A neutral, non-threatening approach, and wheneverpossible, a neutral location, is utilized.• The conclusions and recommendations <strong>of</strong> the conference arerecorded.• Victims are afforded the opportunity to explain, in a safeenvironment, how they were impacted by the <strong>of</strong>fence.• The young person is given an opportunity to “make thingsright” and to ask for help with problems that may havecontributed to the <strong>of</strong>fence.• Appropriate record keeping is undertaken and case filemanagement is maintained.• The young person is informed about the content <strong>of</strong> theagreement and voluntarily accepts it.• The young person understands the problems that may havecontributed to the wrongdoing and is supported inaddressing them.• A process is in place to follow up with the victim and youngperson once the terms <strong>of</strong> the agreement are completed.• Once the agreement is reached and fulfilled, the referringagent is informed and the file is returned.• If an agreement is reached but not complied with, thereferring agent is informed and the file is returned.Getting Started 47


Volunteer orientationand trainingProgram policies andproceduresProgram evaluation planDescribe the training you provide or intend to provide foryour volunteers. Include the following:• Orientation materials you have developed• Training curriculum• <strong>Information</strong> on how and when you provide volunteerswith training and whether you require a time commitmentfrom volunteers before you train them• List <strong>of</strong> any ministry (or other) training materials andresources you are using. If necessary, contact <strong>Community</strong><strong>Programs</strong> Division for information. (See page 4 for contactinformation.)• <strong>Information</strong> on any assessment or performance reviewprocesses you may haveInclude a brief description <strong>of</strong> any policies and procedures youhave developed regarding the following issues:• Confidentiality• Support for victims• Criminal record and reference checks for volunteers• Records management• Handling complaints and critical incidents• Liability• Volunteer appreciationDescribe how you will monitor and evaluate your program.Include the following:• Key evaluation questions• List <strong>of</strong> the data you intend to collect• How you will collect and document this data• How this information will be shared with your committeeand other stakeholdersMore information on program evaluation is provided onpage 51.Applying for financial assistanceThe <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and Solicitor General <strong>of</strong>fers financial supportfor the development <strong>of</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>. Start-upfunding <strong>of</strong> up to $5,000 is available as a one-time grant for programdevelopment. Established programs that meet the criteria for ongoingfunding (see below) may qualify for an ongoing, annual financial grant <strong>of</strong> upto $2,500 in following years. Funds granted to communities will be subjectto normal audit and accountability processes.Getting Started 49


General criteria<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> must:• Be volunteer-based• Adhere to restorative justice practices and approaches• Demonstrate community and criminal justice system support, includingsupport from victim services organizations• Accept referrals from the police for Category 3 and 4 <strong>of</strong>fences only• Not accept referrals for sexual <strong>of</strong>fences, relationship violence/abuse,child abuse, and hate-motivated crimes• Conduct criminal record checks on all volunteers• Maintain strict confidentialityCriteria for start-up grantsTo apply for start-up financial support, provide the following information:• Identify the members <strong>of</strong> your steering committee and provide contactinformation.• Explain the need at the local level for a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong>Program.• Explain how your program will adhere to restorative justice practicesand approaches.• Explain how the funds will be used.• Acknowledge all sources <strong>of</strong> support received by your program.As part <strong>of</strong> your application, submit letters <strong>of</strong> support from yourcommunity, local government, and criminal justice partners.Criteria for ongoing funding grantsProgram funding will be provided to support the following activities:• Volunteer training• Volunteer recognition• Administrative and operational supportGetting Started 50


Program applications must provide the following:• Description <strong>of</strong> the program, identifying the program process and referraltype• Pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> financial contribution from the community (in-kind ormonetary)• Volunteer training plan (must include Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Acttraining)• Plan to monitor and track program participants (reporting template tobe provided)• Budget• Two semi-annual reports documenting the number <strong>of</strong> referralsaccepted, compliance rates, victim and <strong>of</strong>fender satisfaction, number <strong>of</strong>volunteers, and training providedYou may download application forms from the <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>Division Web site:http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/community_programs/justice/index.htm.Send the completed application to <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> Division. (Seepage 4 for contact information.)Preparing to evaluate your programWhy evaluate?Program evaluation allows you to assess the different aspects <strong>of</strong> yourprogram, including its design, implementation, effectiveness, and efficiency.It is a way <strong>of</strong> ensuring accountability to the community and your fundingagencies.Evaluation can tell you many things about your program, including:• Whether your program was designed in a way that enabled it to meetits objectives• Whether it has been implemented as originally intended• Whether it is serving the people it was created forGetting Started 51


• Whether and how it has changed over time• How effective it has been in achieving its objectives• Its particular successes and failures• The costs associated with running it• Its impacts – both intended and unintendedWhile you may evaluate your program at different points <strong>of</strong>implementation, you should plan for the evaluation right at the outset.Earlier, we noted that your program purpose and objectives form thefoundation <strong>of</strong> your program plan. They are also the basis for a properevaluation.<strong>Information</strong> to gatherThe kinds <strong>of</strong> evaluation data you gather will depend on the kind <strong>of</strong> programyou implement, its objectives, and your evaluation questions. There arefour categories <strong>of</strong> information you should be aware <strong>of</strong>. A completeevaluation should address all four types:• Inputs: Resources required to carry out the program (e.g., number <strong>of</strong>volunteers and volunteer hours, funding, operating facility, etc.)• Activities: Steps taken to carry out a program (e.g., coordinatingmediation sessions or conferences, training volunteers, monitoringagreements, etc.)• Outputs: Measurable and direct results <strong>of</strong> program activities (e.g.,number <strong>of</strong> mediation sessions or conferences held, number <strong>of</strong>agreements reached, etc.)• Outcomes: Measurable impact <strong>of</strong> your program activities and outputson clients or the community (e.g., less re-<strong>of</strong>fending, victims and<strong>of</strong>fenders satisfied with the process and agreements reached, etc.)You may wish to gather additional data that will answer particularevaluation questions you have about your program. Your evaluation planshould also indicate how and when the evaluation will be undertaken andwith whom you will share the evaluation results. A quarterly datacollection form is included in Appendix M.For more information about developing an evaluation plan, refer to the SafeCommunities Kit booklet, Splash and Ripple: Using Outcomes to Design andGetting Started 52


Guide <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Work. (See page 31 for details on how to obtaina copy <strong>of</strong> the Safe Communities Kit.)If you have questions about getting started or want assistance incommunicating with your criminal justice partners either to call a meetingor get more information, contact <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> Division. (See page4 for contact information.) We would be happy to provide you withinformation, answer any questions you might have, and facilitate contactswith appropriate criminal justice system personnel.Getting Started 53


AppendicesAppendix A – Categories <strong>of</strong> OffencesAppendix B – Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime ActAppendix C – References to Victims in the YCJAAppendix D – References to Victims in the Criminal CodeAppendix E – Victim Service DirectoryAppendix F – Extrajudicial Measures and the YCJAAppendix G – Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Program Provincial Directory, 2002Appendix H – Training ResourcesAppendix I – Sample Oath <strong>of</strong> ConfidentialityAppendix J – Sample <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program AgreementAppendix K – Sample Critical Incident Report FormAppendix L – Program Plan TemplateAppendix M – Quarterly Data Collection FormAppendices 54


Appendix A – Categories <strong>of</strong> OffencesAppendices 55


CATEGORIES OF OFFENCES* Please note: This list should be used as a guide only. Where a case is referred to your program that does not fall within the categories listed below, please consultthe referring agent regarding the appropriateness <strong>of</strong> the referral.CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 4! First and second degree murder! Attempted murder! Conspiracy to commit murder! Manslaughter! Sexual assault with a weapon, or threats to thirdparties, or causing bodily harm or aggravatedsexual assault! Sexual <strong>of</strong>fences involving breach <strong>of</strong> trust and/orchildren! Robbery! Aggravated assault! Criminal harassment! Arson with disregard for human life! Break and enter or unlawfully in a dwellinghouse involving injury or attempted violence! Hostage taking! Extortion! Criminal negligence! Impaired driving or dangerous driving causingdeath or bodily harm! Use <strong>of</strong> explosives which are likely to causebodily harm or death! Sabotage! Using a firearm in the commission <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence! Kidnapping! Unlawful confinement! Prison breach! Escape lawful custody (involving violence)! Living on the avails <strong>of</strong> prostitution, procuringetc. (s.212)! Obtaining or attempting to obtain sexualservices <strong>of</strong> children (s.212(4))! Counterfeiting! Bribery! Obstructing justice! Perjury! Mischief causing danger to life! Pornography <strong>of</strong>fences (possession or making)involving children! Hate/propaganda <strong>of</strong>fences! Abduction (parental)! Impaired driving and driving while over .08! Dangerous driving and driving whiledisqualified! Impaired driving or dangerous drivinginvolving a high speed chase! Spouse assault and violence against womenin relationships (except for aggravatedassaults noted in Category 1)! Assaulting a peace <strong>of</strong>ficer! Arson (except those arson <strong>of</strong>fences noted inCategory 1)! Break and enter <strong>of</strong> a dwelling house! Carry a concealed weapon! Possession <strong>of</strong> a prohibited weapon! Possession <strong>of</strong> a weapon for a purposedangerous to the public peace! Possession <strong>of</strong> a restricted weapon! Careless use, storage or pointing a firearm! Escaping lawful custody (non-violent)! Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm! Possession <strong>of</strong> an explosive substance! Possession <strong>of</strong> forged currency and passports! Public mischief! Criminal contempt! Indecent act (targeting children)! Failures to appear and unlawfully at large! Sexual assault (other than those sexual<strong>of</strong>fences noted in Category 1)! Theft, possession <strong>of</strong> stolen property, forgery,fraud, false pretences, uttering, unlawful use<strong>of</strong> a credit card, unauthorized use <strong>of</strong> acomputer, (involving public funds, publicdocuments, internal theft, a scheme <strong>of</strong>organized criminal activity, a position <strong>of</strong> trustor a vulnerable victim)! Hate bias <strong>of</strong>fences (except as noted inCategory 1)! Assault causing bodily harm! Assault with a weapon! Child abuse (except when there is a Category1 <strong>of</strong>fence)! Breach <strong>of</strong> probation or other court order! Break and enter other than adwelling house! Theft over $5,000 (except asnoted in Category 2)! Possession <strong>of</strong> stolen property over$5,000 (except as noted inCategory 2)! Forgery, fraud, false pretences,uttering, unlawful use <strong>of</strong> a creditcard, in amounts over $5,000(except as noted in Category 2)! Unauthorized use <strong>of</strong> a computer(except as noted in Category 2)! Assault – s.266 (except VAWIR)! Mischief over $5,000! Indecent act (except for <strong>of</strong>fencestargeting children as noted inCategory 2)! Possession <strong>of</strong> house/car breakinginstruments! Take auto without consent! Trespass at night! Communication for the purposes<strong>of</strong> prostitution (exception:demonstrated nuisance in thecommunity, in which case thematter should be dealt with as aCategory 2 <strong>of</strong>fence)! Theft under $5,000 (except as notedin Category 2)! Possession <strong>of</strong> stolen property under$5,000 (except as noted in Category2)! False pretences, uttering, unlawfuluse <strong>of</strong> a credit card, where theamounts involved are under $5,000(except as noted in Category 2)! Causing a disturbance! Mischief under $5,000


Appendix B – Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime ActAppendices 56


VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT[RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 478ContentsSection1 Definitions2 Right to courtesy and respect3 Legal representation <strong>of</strong> victims4 Presentation <strong>of</strong> the victim's perception <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence5 <strong>Information</strong> that must be <strong>of</strong>fered6 <strong>Information</strong> that must be given on request7 <strong>Information</strong> that will be given in appropriate circumstances8 Goals8.1 Victim surcharge levy9 Victim Surcharge Special Account10 No cause <strong>of</strong> action created by this Act11 Validity <strong>of</strong> proceeding, etc.12 Ombudsman13 Annual report14 Employers are not to penalize15 Offence16 Power to make regulationsDefinitions1 In this Act:"accused" means a person who is charged with an <strong>of</strong>fence;"child" includes(a) a child <strong>of</strong> a victim born after the death <strong>of</strong> the victim,(b) a stepchild <strong>of</strong> a victim, and1


(c) a person who, although not a child <strong>of</strong> the victim by birth or adoption, is like achild to the victim;"justice system personnel" means auxiliary constables, chief constables, chief<strong>of</strong>ficers, designated constables, enforcement <strong>of</strong>ficers, municipal constables,provincial constables, special municipal constables and special provincial constablesas defined in section 1 <strong>of</strong> the Police Act, <strong>of</strong>ficers and employees appointed oremployed under section 4 <strong>of</strong> the Parole Act and personnel in the Court ServicesBranch, Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Branch and Corrections Branch <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> AttorneyGeneral;"<strong>of</strong>fence" means, except in section 15, a contravention, that harmed a victim, <strong>of</strong> anenactment <strong>of</strong> British Columbia or Canada;"<strong>of</strong>fender" means a person convicted <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence;"parent" includes(a) a stepparent <strong>of</strong> the victim,(b) a person who has, in law or in fact, the custody <strong>of</strong> the victim or who isresponsible for the care or financial support <strong>of</strong> the victim, and(c) a person who, although not a parent <strong>of</strong> the victim by birth or adoption, is likea parent to the victim;"sentence" includes a disposition as defined in the Young Offenders Act (Canada)or the Young Offenders (British Columbia) Act;"special account" means the Victim Surcharge Special Account established undersection 9;"spouse" means a person who(a) is married to another person, or(b) is living and cohabiting with another person in a marriage-like relationship,including a marriage-like relationship between persons <strong>of</strong> the same gender;"victim" means an individual who suffers, in relation to an <strong>of</strong>fence,(a) physical or mental injury or economic loss as a result <strong>of</strong> an act or omissionthat forms the basis <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence, or(b) significant emotional trauma and is an individual against whom the <strong>of</strong>fencewas perpetrated or, with respect to an individual against whom the <strong>of</strong>fence wasperpetrated, is a spouse, sibling, child or parent <strong>of</strong> the individual,but does not include a person listed within the definition <strong>of</strong> "justice system personnel"in relation to an <strong>of</strong>fence to which the person responds in the line <strong>of</strong> duty;2


"victim service" means a service that is designed to assist victims and is providedor funded by the government.Right to courtesy and respect2 All justice system personnel must treat a victim with courtesy and respect and mustnot discriminate against a victim on the basis <strong>of</strong> race, colour, ancestry, place <strong>of</strong>origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender,sexual orientation, political belief or age.Legal representation <strong>of</strong> victims3 On request by a victim, the Attorney General must take reasonable measures toensure that the victim is provided with advice and representation by a lawyer if(a) the victim requires representation independent from that <strong>of</strong> Crown counsel inresponse to an application for disclosure <strong>of</strong> information, not in the possession <strong>of</strong>the police or Crown counsel, relating to the personal history <strong>of</strong> the victim, and(b) the victim would not otherwise receive this representation because <strong>of</strong> a lack<strong>of</strong> financial resources.Presentation <strong>of</strong> the victim's perception <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence4 Crown counsel must ensure that a victim is given a reasonable opportunity to haveadmissible evidence concerning the impact <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence, as perceived by thevictim, presented to the court before sentence is imposed for the <strong>of</strong>fence.<strong>Information</strong> that must be <strong>of</strong>fered5 <strong>Justice</strong> system personnel must <strong>of</strong>fer a victim general information concerning(a) the structure and operation <strong>of</strong> the justice system,(b) victim services,(c) the Freedom <strong>of</strong> <strong>Information</strong> and Protection <strong>of</strong> Privacy Act,(d) the Crime Victim Assistance Act, and(e) this Act.<strong>Information</strong> that must be given on request6 (1) Subject to the Young Offenders Act (Canada) and ins<strong>of</strong>ar as this does notprejudice an investigation or prosecution <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence, justice system personnelmust arrange, on request, for a victim to obtain information on the following mattersrelating to the <strong>of</strong>fence:(a) the status <strong>of</strong> the police investigation;3


(b) the specific counts with which the accused is charged or for which the<strong>of</strong>fender is convicted;(c) the reasons why a decision was made respecting charges;(d) the name <strong>of</strong> the accused;(e) the date, location and reasons for each court appearance that is likely toaffect the final disposition, sentence or bail status <strong>of</strong> the accused;(f) the outcome <strong>of</strong> each court appearance that is likely to affect the finaldisposition, sentence or bail status <strong>of</strong> the accused;(g) the length <strong>of</strong> any sentence that the <strong>of</strong>fender is serving and the date thesentence began;(h) the means for the victim to report breaches <strong>of</strong> the terms <strong>of</strong> supervision by the<strong>of</strong>fender released under supervision;(i) the means to contact agencies that may grant or amend conditions <strong>of</strong> paroleor authorize release from custody <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fender;(j) the eligibility and review dates applicable to the <strong>of</strong>fender and how to makerepresentations in any proceedings that may lead to a change in the custodialstatus or release conditions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fender.(2) Subject to the Young Offenders Act (Canada), justice system personnel mustarrange, on request, for a victim to obtain copies <strong>of</strong> orders and permits settingconditions for the accused or <strong>of</strong>fender that are relevant to the safety <strong>of</strong> the victim.<strong>Information</strong> that will be given in appropriate circumstances7 (1) The minister charged with the administration <strong>of</strong> the Correction Act or thedesignate <strong>of</strong> the minister or the chair <strong>of</strong> the Board <strong>of</strong> Parole for the Province <strong>of</strong>British Columbia or the designate <strong>of</strong> the chair must give the following informationrelating to the <strong>of</strong>fence to a victim on request if, in the opinion <strong>of</strong> the person giving theinformation, the interests <strong>of</strong> the victim outweigh the privacy interest <strong>of</strong> the accused or<strong>of</strong>fender in the circumstances:(a) whether the <strong>of</strong>fender is in custody and, if the <strong>of</strong>fender is in custody, the nameand address <strong>of</strong> the institution where the sentence is being served;(b) if the accused or <strong>of</strong>fender is in custody and is to be released, the date therelease will begin, the length <strong>of</strong> the release and the terms <strong>of</strong> supervision duringthat release;(c) if the accused or <strong>of</strong>fender is released from custody under supervision andthe terms <strong>of</strong> supervision are to change, the nature <strong>of</strong> the change and the datethe change begins;4


Goals(d) if the <strong>of</strong>fender is or will be on supervised probation, parole or temporaryabsence, the area <strong>of</strong> British Columbia where the <strong>of</strong>fender may be and whetherthe <strong>of</strong>fender will be in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> the victim while travelling to that area.(2) Subsection (1) applies despite the Freedom <strong>of</strong> <strong>Information</strong> and Protection <strong>of</strong>Privacy Act but is subject to the Young Offenders Act (Canada).8 To the extent that it is practicable, the government must promote the followinggoals:(a) to develop victim services and promote equal access to victim services at alllocations throughout British Columbia;(b) to have victims adequately protected against intimidation and retaliation;(c) to have property <strong>of</strong> victims obtained by <strong>of</strong>fenders in the course <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fencesreturned promptly to the victims by the police if the retention is not needed forinvestigation or prosecution purposes;(d) to have justice system personnel trained to respond appropriately to victims;(e) to give proper recognition to the need <strong>of</strong> victims for timely investigation andprosecution <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fences;(f) to have facilities in courthouses that accommodate victims awaitingcourtroom appearance separately from the accused and witnesses for theaccused;(g) to afford victims throughout British Columbia equal access toVictim surcharge levy(i) courtrooms and prosecutors' <strong>of</strong>fices that are designed to be used bypersons with physical disabilities,(ii) interpreters for speakers <strong>of</strong> any language, and(iii) culturally sensitive services for aboriginal persons and members <strong>of</strong>ethno-cultural minorities.8.1 (1) If a fine is imposed on a person under a prescribed enactment <strong>of</strong> BritishColumbia, the person must pay to the government, at the time and place where thefine is payable, a victim surcharge levy calculated in accordance with the prescribedformula.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), if a person pays or is obligated to pay a fine underthe Offence Act, the person must pay to the government, at the time and placewhere the fine is payable, a victim surcharge levy calculated in accordance with theprescribed formula.5


(3) to (6) [Repealed 1997-10-29.]Victim Surcharge Special Account9 (1) The Victim Surcharge Special Account is continued as a special account <strong>of</strong> theconsolidated revenue fund.(2) The Attorney General must pay into the special account money paid to thegovernment under section 8.1.(3) The special account consists <strong>of</strong>(a) payments made by the Attorney General under subsection (2),(b) victim fine surcharge money that under section 737 <strong>of</strong> the Criminal Code theLieutenant Governor in Council directs be paid into the special account,(c) donations people make to the special account,(d) any money transferred to the special account from a vote, as defined in theFinancial Administration Act, and(e) any interest and other income <strong>of</strong> the special account.(4) The Attorney General may pay money out <strong>of</strong> the special account to do one ormore <strong>of</strong> the following:(a) defray the costs incurred under sections 3 to 8;(b) pay costs associated with the administration <strong>of</strong> the special account;(c) provide funding, directly or indirectly, to a service or project, all or any part <strong>of</strong>which may benefit victims or lead to the development <strong>of</strong> services that maybenefit victims.(5) Subsection (4) applies despite section 21 (3) <strong>of</strong> the Financial Administration Act.(6) The special account must not be used to provide direct compensation toindividual victims.(7) The cumulative total <strong>of</strong> amounts paid out <strong>of</strong> the special account undersubsection (4) must not exceed the cumulative total <strong>of</strong> money paid into the specialaccount under subsection (3).No cause <strong>of</strong> action created by this Act10 Subject to section 82 (7) <strong>of</strong> the Offence Act, no cause <strong>of</strong> action, right <strong>of</strong> appeal,claim for damages or other remedy in law exists because <strong>of</strong> this Act or anythingdone or omitted to be done under this Act.6


Validity <strong>of</strong> proceeding, etc.11 (1) A proceeding in respect <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence must not be delayed or held to beinvalid on the grounds that a right granted by this Act has been infringed or denied orthat this Act has not been complied with, and the court must not make an orderrespecting the conduct <strong>of</strong> that proceeding or the validity or propriety <strong>of</strong> an order,conviction, sentence or any other thing done in that proceeding on those grounds.(2) An order, conviction or sentence may not be appealed on the grounds that a rightgranted by this Act has been infringed or denied.Ombudsman12 (1) The Ombudsman Act applies to this Act.(2) Despite subsection (1), the Ombudsman must refuse to investigate theappropriateness <strong>of</strong> a decision by a member <strong>of</strong> the Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Branch <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Attorney General, or a special prosecutor as described in section 7 <strong>of</strong> theCrown Counsel Act,Annual report(a) to approve the prosecution <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence,(b) to decline to approve the prosecution <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence,(c) to delay proceeding with the prosecution <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence,(d) to stay the prosecution <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fence,(e) to conduct or decline to conduct an appeal or other proceeding in respect <strong>of</strong>an <strong>of</strong>fence, or(f) to exercise any other aspect <strong>of</strong> prosecutorial discretion.13 The annual report under section 6 <strong>of</strong> the Attorney General Act must include areport on the administration <strong>of</strong> this Act.Employers are not to penalize14 An employer must not discharge, suspend, intimidate, coerce, impose anyfinancial or other penalty on or otherwise discriminate against an employee becausethat person is absent from work(a) to appear in court as a witness in a proceeding respecting an <strong>of</strong>fence, or(b) to attend at a meeting with justice system personnel at the request <strong>of</strong> thosepersonnel to assist in an investigation or preparation for the prosecution <strong>of</strong> an<strong>of</strong>fence.7


Offence15 (1) A person who contravenes section 14 commits an <strong>of</strong>fence and is liable onconviction to a fine <strong>of</strong> not more than $2 000 or to imprisonment for a term <strong>of</strong> notmore than 6 months or to both.(2) Section 5 <strong>of</strong> the Offence Act does not apply to the Act.Power to make regulations16 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations referred to insection 41 <strong>of</strong> the Interpretation Act.(2) Without limiting the generality <strong>of</strong> subsection (1), the Lieutenant Governor inCouncil may make regulations as follows:(a) prescribing an enactment for the purposes <strong>of</strong> section 8.1 (1);(b) prescribing the formula for the purposes <strong>of</strong> section 8.1 (1) and (2);(c) [Repealed 1997-3-4.]© 2004 Province <strong>of</strong> British Columbia. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission <strong>of</strong> theProvince <strong>of</strong> British Columbia.8


Appendix C – References to Victims in theYCJAAppendices 57


The following information was taken directly from the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> ActCanada Pocket Guide 2003 - British Columbia Edition, originally published by theProvince <strong>of</strong> Nova Scotia, and is based on Moving Forward: Pocket Guide to the YouthCriminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act Canada.VICTIMS’ ISSUESVictims are mentioned in several provisions <strong>of</strong> the Act.PreambleCanadian society should have a youth criminal justice system that…takes into accountthe interests <strong>of</strong> victims.Peace BondsPeace Bonds may be ordered under subs.14(2) (youth court judges) & subs.20(2) (JPs– where the jurisdiction permits and authorizes).General principlesMeasures taken against a YP should encourage the repair <strong>of</strong> harm done to victims andcommunities. subpara.3(1)(c)(ii)Special considerations apply to proceedings against YPs. In particular• Victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect for their dignityand privacy, and should suffer the minimum degree <strong>of</strong> inconvenience as a result<strong>of</strong> their involvement with the youth criminal justice system subpara.3(1)(d)(ii)• Victims should be provided with information about the proceedings and given anopportunity to participate and be heard subpara.3(1)(d)(iii)Principles <strong>of</strong> youth sentencingsubpara.38(2)(e)(iii)Subject to the limit <strong>of</strong> proportionality, the sentence SHALL promote a sense <strong>of</strong>responsibility in the YP and an acknowledgement <strong>of</strong> the harm done to victims and thecommunity.Factors to consider in youth sentencingIn determining a youth sentence the court SHALL take into account


• The harm done to victims and whether it was intentional or reasonablyforeseeable para.38(3)(b)• Any reparation made by the YP to the victim or the community para.38(3)(c)Protective MeasuresA <strong>Justice</strong> has jurisdiction to make an order under Section 810 (recognizance – fear orinjury <strong>of</strong> damage) <strong>of</strong> the Criminal Code in respect <strong>of</strong> a YP subs.20(2)Objectives <strong>of</strong> extrajudicial measurespara.5(d)Extrajudicial measures provide an opportunity for victims to participate in decisionsrelated to the measures selected and to receive reparation.Extrajudicial sanctions s.12Victims are entitled, on request, to information about the identity <strong>of</strong> the YP and how the<strong>of</strong>fence was dealt with when extrajudicial sanctions were used.Youth <strong>Justice</strong> Committees s.18Youth <strong>Justice</strong> Committees may support the victim by soliciting their concerns orfacilitating reconciliation.Victim fine surcharge s.53The YCJA allows the province to use a percentage <strong>of</strong> a fine for the assistance <strong>of</strong> victimsand allows for a surcharge to be ordered where the province does not establish one.Publication s.111(see “Rules governing young witnesses and victims”, p.102)Unchanged from the YOAAs with the YOA• Victims should be interviewed for a pre-sentence report if reasonably possiblepara.40(2)(b)• Victim impact statement provisions <strong>of</strong> the CC apply to youth sentenceproceedings s.50• Publication <strong>of</strong> the identity <strong>of</strong> child or young victims and witnesses is NOTpermitted except as provided for in the Act (see “Rules governing youngwitnesses and victims,” p.102) s.111


Victims may have access to certain records under the YCJA. para.119(1)(d) (see“Victims’ access to records,” p.60)British Columbia Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime Act (1996)• To be treated with courtesy and respect• To information on the justice system, victims services, crime victim assistanceand related legislation• To be given a reasonable opportunity to provide a victim impact statement• On request (and subject to the YCJA*), the right to receive certain case-specificinformation on the investigation, prosecution and sentencing and release <strong>of</strong> anaccused/<strong>of</strong>fender• To independent legal representation, provided free <strong>of</strong> charge where they cannotafford it, concerning the disclosure <strong>of</strong> their personal records.* Note: Current [BC] Victims <strong>of</strong> Crime Act refers to YOA. Amendments are pending.


Appendix D – References to Victims in theCriminal CodeAppendices 58


REFERENCES TO VICTIMS INTHE CRIMINAL CODESectionSection 717(1)(b)Sections 718(e) & (f), 718.2(a)(iii)Section 722Section 738(1)DescriptionWhen alternative measures may be usedPurpose and principles <strong>of</strong> sentencingVictim impact statementsRestitution to victims


Appendix E – Victim Service DirectoryAppendices 59


VICTIM SERVICE DIRECTORYThe Victim Service Directory lists all victim service programs in British Columbia. Youcan also contact VictimLINK, the 24-hour, toll-free, province-wide telephone service at1-800-563-0808 to find the program nearest you.Click on the following link to access the Victim Service Directory:www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victim_services/directory/index.htm


Appendix F – Extrajudicial Measures andthe YCJAAppendices 60


The following information was taken directly from the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> ActCanada Pocket Guide 2003 - British Columbia Edition, originally published by theProvince <strong>of</strong> Nova Scotia, and is based on Moving Forward: Pocket Guide to the YouthCriminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act Canada.EXTRAJUDICIAL MEASURESSummaryThese are measures that can be used by the police and Crown attorneys to deal withYPs without using the formal youth justice court system. Extrajudicial measures includeextrajudicial sanctions, which is the formal program known as Alternative Measuresunder the YOA.Before laying a charge or referring the matter to extrajudicial sanctions, a police <strong>of</strong>ficerSHALL consider whether it would be sufficient to• Take no further action subs.6(1)• Warn the YP subs.6(1)• Administer a caution (if a program is established s.7) subs.6(1),7• Refer the YP to a program or agency in the community that may assist the YPnot to commit <strong>of</strong>fences. This option requires that the YP consent to the referral.subs.6(1)The Crown may also issue a formal caution under s.8 if such a program is established.If a YP cannot be adequately dealt with by warning, caution, or referral, the YP may bereferred to an extrajudicial sanctions program. subs.10(1)Principles governing extrajudicial measures s.4(subject to the overall principles in s.3)Extrajudicial measuresabcare <strong>of</strong>ten the most appropriate and effective way to address youth crimeallow for effective and timely interventions focused on correcting <strong>of</strong>fendingbehaviourare presumed to be adequate to hold first-time, non-violent <strong>of</strong>fendersaccountableANDdshould be used when they are adequate to hold a YP accountable for their<strong>of</strong>fending behaviour. Nothing in the YCJA prohibits the use <strong>of</strong> extrajudicial


measures if the YP has previously been dealt with by extrajudicial measures orhas been found guilty <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fenceObjectives <strong>of</strong> extrajudicial measures s.5Extrajudicial measures should be designed toabcdprovide an effective and timely response to <strong>of</strong>fending behaviour outside <strong>of</strong>judicial proceedingsencourage YPs to acknowledge and repair the harm caused to the victim and thecommunityencourage the involvement <strong>of</strong> families, including extended families and members<strong>of</strong> the community, in designing and implementing the measuresprovide victims with an opportunity to participate in decisions that relate to themeasures that are selected, and to receive reparationANDerespect the rights and freedoms <strong>of</strong> YPs, and be proportionate to the seriousness<strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fenceWarnings, cautions, and referralsBefore a police <strong>of</strong>ficer can refer a matter to the formal extrajudicial sanctions program orlay a charge, they shall consider whether it would be sufficient based on the principles<strong>of</strong> extrajudicial measures to• take no further action• warn the YP• administer a caution if a program has been established• with the YP’s consent, refer them to a program or agency in the community thatmay assist the YP not to commit <strong>of</strong>fences. subs.6(1) Examples includerecreation, drug dependency, or counseling programsThe failure <strong>of</strong> a police <strong>of</strong>ficer to consider these options does not make any subsequentcharges against the YP for the <strong>of</strong>fence invalid. subs.6(2)The Crown also has the option <strong>of</strong> administering a caution if a program is established.s.8


Evidence that the YP received a warning, caution, or referral, or that no further actionwas taken, and evidence <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence, are NOT admissible to prove prior <strong>of</strong>fendingbehaviour in a youth justice court against the YP. s.9Extrajudicial sanctionsBackgroundExtrajudicial sanctions are an important part <strong>of</strong> extrajudicial measures and provides agood option for YP to be held accountable and to make up for the harm caused by their<strong>of</strong>fence, as an alternative to the formal court process.Limitations on useExtrajudicial sanctions may be used only if a YP cannot be appropriate dealt with by awarning, caution, or referral because <strong>of</strong>• the seriousness <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence• the nature and number <strong>of</strong> previous <strong>of</strong>fences committedOR• any other aggravating circumstances subs.10(1)Similar to alternative measuresExtrajudicial sanctions programs are subject to similar conditions as alternativemeasures programs were under the YOA. subs.10(2)One <strong>of</strong> the important conditions for police is that there is ‘sufficient evidence to proceedwith the prosecution <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence.’ para.10(2)(f)Informing parents <strong>of</strong> YPParents <strong>of</strong> a YP shall be informed, by the person who administers the program, <strong>of</strong> theextrajudicial sanction used. s.11Informing a victimA police <strong>of</strong>ficer, Crown, provincial director, or representative from Victims’ Servicesshall, on request, inform a victim <strong>of</strong> the identity <strong>of</strong> the YP dealt with by an extrajudicialsanction and how an <strong>of</strong>fence has been dealt with. s.12


Appendix G – Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramProvincial Directory, 2002Appendices 61


Provincial Directory <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> 2002Foreword and AcknowledgementsThe <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and Solicitor General is pleased to send you the ProvincialDirectory <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>. We are committed to supportingcommunities that have developed or are developing <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> that userestorative approaches to address crime. This directory, prepared by the ChilliwackRestorative <strong>Justice</strong> and Youth Diversion Association, reflects an emerging partnershipbetween the province and citizens who are taking initiative at the local level.Since 1998, several <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> have been initiated in BritishColumbia. This directory was developed in an attempt to increase information sharingand networking among programs. It outlines program contact information, targetaudiences, program structure and model, goals and objectives, referral types andsources, funding support, staffing structures, training and volunteer information.We hope that this directory becomes a contact resource for you and we trust that it willprovide you with the necessary information you require to connect with other programsand establish networks province wide. The directory is presented in binder format sothat it can be supplemented with information on additional programs as they emergeover time. This information will also be made available on line atwww.takingastand.com.This Directory was made possible with support from the following:Chilliwack RCMP National Crime City <strong>of</strong> Chilliwack <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong>Prevention CentrePublic Safety andSolicitor GeneralA special thank you to the staff <strong>of</strong> Chilliwack Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> and Youth DiversionAssociation, Sharon Williams and Anna Elias, for your work in organizing, designing, andformatting the directory.


Provincial Directory <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> 2002Contents and Cross Reference Tables<strong>Programs</strong> are found in this directory listed in alphabetical order according to programlocation. To find the location <strong>of</strong> a program using the program name, use the “ByProgram Name” contents list following the “By Location” content list.By Location100 Mile House 100 Mile House <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramAgassizBurns LakeCastlegarChaseChilcotinChilliwackChilliwackClearwaterCoquitlamCranbrookCrestonDawson CreekChehalis Indian Band<strong>Justice</strong> Alternatives - Lakes DistrictCastlegar and District <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumWest Shuswap Alternative MeasuresTsilqhotin <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Punky Lake Wilderness Camp SocietyChilliwack Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> and Youth DiversionAssociationQwi:qwelstom - Sto:lo Nation <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>Clearwater Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Program<strong>Community</strong> Youth <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramFraser-Burrard <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> SocietyCranbrook <strong>Community</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Creston Valley <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramDawson Creek <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramFernieFernie Youth Assistance and <strong>Accountability</strong>


Fort St. JohnFraser ValleyGoldenGranisleHarrisonHopeKamloopsKasloKelownaKitimatLadysmithLake CowichanLangleyLumbyMackenzieMaple RidgeMissionNanaimoNorth Cowichan - DuncanParksvilleFort St. John <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramFraser Region <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Initiatives AssociationGolden Youth and Adult Diversion ProgramGranisle and Area <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramHarrison-Kent Youth Diversion and <strong>Community</strong><strong>Accountability</strong> AssociationHope <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramSecwepemc <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramKaslo Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> CommitteeCentral Okanagan Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Kitimat Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramLadysmith and District <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramCowichan Lake Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramLangley Youth and Family ServicesLumby <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program<strong>Justice</strong> Alternatives for MackenzieRidge-Meadows Youth and <strong>Justice</strong> Advocacy Association<strong>Community</strong> Peacemaking CirclesNanaimo Region John Howard Society: Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>ProgramNorth Cowichan/ Duncan Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProjectArrowsmith <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramPeachlandPentictonPeachland Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Penticton RCMP Crime Prevention UnitPort HardyPort Hardy Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Society


Port McNeillPrince GeorgePrince RupertQualicumQuesnelRevelstokeRichmondSalt Spring IslandSicamousSidneySurreyTrailVancouverVancouverVancouverVictoria - North SaanichVictoria - Oak BayVictoria - SaanichVictoria - SaanichVictoriaVictoriaVictoria - West ShoreWilliams LakePort McNeill RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramWhu Neeh Nee’ - Guiders <strong>of</strong> Our People (Carrier SekaniFamily Services Alternative Dispute Resolution Program)Prince Rupert Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramSchool District #69 Qualicum Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramQuesnel <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program<strong>Community</strong> ConnectionsRichmond Restorative <strong>Justice</strong><strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>of</strong> Salt Spring IslandEagle Valley Youth <strong>Community</strong> Measures <strong>Programs</strong>Peninsula CrossRoads <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramSurrey Youth Intervention Program - Surrey RCMP<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramTrail Youth <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramVictim Offender Mediation ProgramVancouver Aboriginal Transformative <strong>Justice</strong> ServicesVancouver Association <strong>of</strong> Transformative <strong>Justice</strong>: JustSolutionsNorth Saanich/ Sidney Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> - RCMPRestorative <strong>Justice</strong> Oak BayRestorative <strong>Justice</strong> SaanichSaanich <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Program (John Howard Society)Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Coalition - William Head InstitutionSpirit <strong>of</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>West Shore <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramWilliams Lake <strong>Community</strong> Council for Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>


By Program Name100 Mile House <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program 100 Mile HouseArrowsmith <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramCarrier Sekani Family ServicesAlternative Dispute Resolution ProgramCastlegar and District <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumCentral Okanagan Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Chehalis Indian BandChilliwack Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> and Youth Diversion AssociationClearwater Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Program<strong>Community</strong> Peacemaking CirclesParksvillePrince GeorgeCastlegarKelownaAgassizChilliwackClearwaterMission<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>of</strong> Salt Spring Island<strong>Community</strong> ConnectionsCowichan Lake Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramCranbrook <strong>Community</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Creston Valley <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramDawson Creek <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramEagle Valley Youth <strong>Community</strong> Measures <strong>Programs</strong>Fernie Youth Assistance and <strong>Accountability</strong>Fort St. John <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramSalt Spring IslandRevelstokeLake CowichanCranbrookCrestonDawson CreekSicamousFernieFort St. JohnFraser-Burrard <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Society


<strong>Community</strong> Youth <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramFraser Region <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Initiatives AssociationGolden Youth and Adult Diversion ProgramGranisle and Area <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramHarrison-Kent Youth Diversion and<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> AssociationHope <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Program<strong>Justice</strong> Alternatives for Mackenzie<strong>Justice</strong> Alternatives - Lakes DistrictKaslo Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> CommitteeKitimat Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramLadysmith and District <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramCoquitlamFraser ValleyGoldenGranisleHarrisonHopeMackenzieBurns LakeKasloKitimatLadysmithLangley Youth and Family ServicesLumby <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramNanaimo Region John Howard Society: Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramLangleyLumbyNanaimoNorth Cowichan/ Duncan Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Project North Cowichan -DuncanNorth Saanich/ Sidney Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> - RCMP Victoria -North SaanichPeachland Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Peninsula CrossRoads <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramPenticton RCMP Crime Prevention UnitPort Hardy Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> SocietyPort McNeill RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramPrince Rupert Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramPeachlandSidneyPentictonPort HardyPort McNeillPrince Rupert


Punky Lake Wilderness Camp SocietyQuesnel <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramChilcotinQuesnelQwi:qwelstom - Sto:lo Nation <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> SaanichRestorative <strong>Justice</strong> Coalition (at William Head Institution)Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Oak BayRichmond Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Ridge-Meadows Youth and <strong>Justice</strong> Advocacy AssociationSaanich <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Program (John Howard Society)ChilliwackVictoria - SaanichVictoriaVictoria - Oak BayRichmondMaple RidgeVictoria - SaanichSchool District #69 Qualicum Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramSecwepemc <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramSpirit <strong>of</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Surrey RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramSurrey Youth Intervention ProgramTrail Youth <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramTsilqhotin <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative <strong>Justice</strong> ServicesVancouver Association <strong>of</strong> Transformative <strong>Justice</strong>: Just SolutionsVictim Offender Mediation ProgramWest Shuswap Alternative MeasuresWest Shore <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramWilliam Head InstitutionWilliams Lake <strong>Community</strong> Council for Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Whu Neeh Nee’ - Guiders <strong>of</strong> Our PeopleQualicumKamloopsVictoriaSurreySurreyTrailChilcotinVancouverVancouverVancouverChaseVictoria - West ShoreVictoriaWilliams LakePrince George


100 Mile House <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>100 Mile and District <strong>Community</strong> PolicingConsultative CommitteeDonna BarnettBox 1087100 Mile House, BCV0K 2E0Phone: (250) 395-3422 or (250) 395-2022 (home)Fax: (250) 395-3625 or (250) 359-3420E-mail: barnett@bcinternet.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itFirst-time <strong>of</strong>fendersTo prevent first time <strong>of</strong>fenders from committing a second <strong>of</strong>fence.Family Group Conferencing (<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum)RCMPTheft, minor drug possession, family conflict<strong>Community</strong>; start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety andSolicitor General (PSSG)No paid staff8 facilitators; 1 coordinatorStaffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 4Partners Involved: RCMP, volunteers, Crown, municipalityTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator training96% (completion rate with no-recidivism one year later)Having RCMP buy into program<strong>Community</strong> facilities; volunteers


Chehalis Indian BandContact <strong>Information</strong>Karen Bobb-ReidComp #66Agassiz, BCV0M 1A0Phone: (604) 796-2116Fax: (604) 796-3946E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Chehalis communityGoals and Objectives: To provide preventative measuresProgram Model:Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): RCMP, community, Crown, selfReferral Types:Theft under, mischief, minor assault, etc.Support/ Funding: Start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: Facilitators, Elders, Assessment CommitteeYears in Operation: 1Partners Involved: Chilliwack Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>; Qwi:qwelstomTraining:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> facilitator training, peacemakers joint training;fish and wildlife - historical abuse, Qui:qwelstomNon-acceptance from some youth; need more communityinvolvementHealth and Family Services, Elders, anti-drug task force,Qwi:qwelstom, neighboring restorative justice programs.


<strong>Justice</strong> Alternatives - Lakes DistrictContact <strong>Information</strong>College <strong>of</strong> New CaledoniaRCMP Burns Lake DetachmentVera BeerlingCst. Hayley NIELSENBox 5000 201 Highway 35, Box 759Burns Lake, BCBurns Lake, BCV0J 1E0V0J 1E0Phone: (250) 692-1705 Phone: (250) 692-7171Fax: (250) 692-1750 Fax: (250) 692-3869E-mail: beerlingv@cnc.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Undecided (At information stage)Target Group: Youth ages 12 to 18Goals and Objectives: Crime PreventionProgram Model:RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): RCMP, Victim ServicesReferral Types:Theft, mischief, B&ESupport/ Funding: NoneStaffing Structure: RCMP member as CoordinatorVolunteers Involved: 30 +Years in Operation: New programPartners Involved: College <strong>of</strong> New Caledonia; RCMPTraining:RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator training for allvolunteers.


Castlegar and District <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumContact <strong>Information</strong>Inga Lamont, Coordinator440 Columbia AvenueCastlegar, BCV1N 1G7Phone: (250) 368-3168Fax: (250) 368-3168E-mail: inga_lamont@telus.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation:Partners Involved:Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Council which has become a SocietyYouth and adult first-time <strong>of</strong>fendersTo provide restorative justice which will facilitate achievableaccountability <strong>of</strong> first time <strong>of</strong>fenders, while acknowledging therights and needs <strong>of</strong> victims, thus enabling the participants toreintegrate into the community.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumRCMPAll except homicide or domestic violenceLocal support, start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGNo paid staff1 Coordinator, 8 others3 yearsRCMP<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator training (RCMP)In 47 cases, only 2 have re-<strong>of</strong>fended (94% success)Resolutions that are effective and useful to the community; issues<strong>of</strong> divorce, abuse, neglect, etc.<strong>Community</strong> financial support


West Shuswap Alternative MeasuresContact <strong>Information</strong>Chase RCMPCst. Natalie MitchellBox 960, 226 Shuswap AvenueChase, BCV0E 1Z1Phone: (250) 679-3221Fax: (250) 679-3821E-mail: natalie.a.mitchell@rcmp-grc.gc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Umbrella OrganizationTarget Group:Adult and young <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To provide an alternative response for first-time <strong>of</strong>fendersProgram Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): To be determinedReferral Types:To be determinedSupport/ Funding: LocalStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: To be determined (approximately 10-14)Years in Operation: Program not yet operational as <strong>of</strong> April 2002Training:Resources Available:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator training (RCMP)<strong>Community</strong> support, use <strong>of</strong> meeting rooms, supportive media, andlocal trainer.


Tsilqhotin <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>Punky Lake Wilderness Camp SocietyMary Anne Arcand, Executive Director101 - 153 Borland StreetWilliams Lake, BCV2G 1R1Phone: (250) 392-4197Fax: (250) 398-9043E-mail: plcsho@hotmail.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Young <strong>of</strong>fenders: Aboriginal and otherGoals and Objectives: To help primarily First Nations youth find a better path for life.Program Model:Aboriginal Peace Making CircleReferral Source(s): RCMP; Crown; Condition <strong>of</strong> Sentence; Condition <strong>of</strong> Dischargefrom Custody; <strong>Community</strong> (Chief and Council, families)Referral Types:AllSupport/ Funding: Provincial and Federal Government contribution agreementStaffing Structure: 1 Coordinator; 2 Field staffVolunteers Involved: 20 Co-FacilitatorsYears in Operation: 4Partners Involved: <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; <strong>Justice</strong> Canada; Tsilqhotin NationalGovernment; ICBCTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Critical incident stress debriefing; problem solving and conflictresolution; facilitationLess recidivism; less first-time <strong>of</strong>fenders; less incarceration;reduction in crime rates in member communities; less violence;more trust between RCMP and communities.Racism; infrastructure (lack <strong>of</strong> phones and roads); cultural values;language.Handbook; self-directed training manual and video “How to Build a<strong>Community</strong> Based Organization”; Handbook and Video “Aboriginal<strong>Justice</strong> - Peacemaking Circles”.


Chilliwack Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>and Youth Diversion AssociationContact <strong>Information</strong>Sharon Williams45924 Airport RoadChilliwack, BCV2P 1A2Phone: (604) 702-4214Website: www.chilliwack.com/services/crjydaFax: (604) 702-4243E-mail: crjyda@chilliwack.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> Program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it, SocietyTarget Group: First-time <strong>of</strong>fenders ages 12 and up. (May accept youth under 12after discussion with referral agency and guardian.)Goals and Objectives: To provide solutions to victims and first-time <strong>of</strong>fenders. Toreconnect <strong>of</strong>fenders with their families, victims, and thecommunity. To promote a safer community. To educate andpromote public awareness <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> principles.Program Model(s): <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Panel and <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum.Referral Source(s): RCMP, Crown Counsel, Schools (pilot project).Referral Types:Category 3 and 4, plus minor assaults, arson, possession, etc.Support/ Funding: Grant from City <strong>of</strong> Chilliwack, in-kind donation from RCMP (<strong>of</strong>fice),service club donations, community donations.Staffing Structure: Full-time contractor as “Program Coordinator”, part-time contractoras funds permit, practicum students.Volunteers Involved: Approximately 30: mentors, committee members, facilitators,public awareness, fundraising, <strong>of</strong>fice support.Years in Operation: Since May 1998Partners involved: Crown Counsel, RCMP, City, School District, service providers,community work hour sponsors, restitution sponsors.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Orientation for new volunteers, including observation <strong>of</strong> threemeetings. Buddy system (pairing new and established volunteers).Ongoing training through monthly meetings, with special guestpresenters. Special training sessions when available (College,RCMP).RCMP program assessment completed in 1999, shows lowincidence <strong>of</strong> recidivism, and high satisfaction from all partiesinvolved. Assessment currently being conducted by student <strong>of</strong>University College <strong>of</strong> the Fraser Valley.Funding; lack <strong>of</strong> youth programs, resources, and services;maintaining high level <strong>of</strong> community support.Operations Manual (on website and available from National CrimePrevention Centre), Facilitation Guide for Panel Members,speakers, trainers, resource library in <strong>of</strong>fice; support programs foryouth (Restoring Relationships, Counseling, etc.)


Qwi:qwelstomContact <strong>Information</strong>Qwi:qwelstom - Sto:lo Nation <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>Wenona Victor#1 - 7201 Vedder RoadChilliwack, BCV2R 4G5Phone: (604) 858-3366Fax: (605) 824-5129E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Sto:lo First Nations ProgramTarget Group:First Nations within Sto:lo territoryGoals and Objectives: To repair harm and restore balance and harmony after a disputeProgram Model:Traditional Sto:lo Process. Case-by-case dealing <strong>of</strong> disputes torestore harmony and balance within families and communities.Referral Source(s): Self referrals, community members, RCMP, Crown CounselSupport/ Funding: Provincial and Federal governmentsStaffing Structure: <strong>Justice</strong> Coordinator, 2 <strong>Justice</strong> Workers, 1 Youth WorkerVolunteers Involved: 20Years in Operation: 3Partners Involved: Sto:lo House <strong>of</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Circle Facilitator trainingIncrease in referrals, requests for presentations, communitysupport, no incarcerations.Educating the public regarding the process; lack <strong>of</strong> financialresources.Elders; access to counseling services and programs.


Clearwater Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Sgt. Steve Giesinger205 Dutch Lake Road, P.O. Box 338Clearwater, BCV0E 1N0Phone: (250) 674-2237Fax: (250) 674-3518E-mail: steve.giesinger@rcmp-grc.gc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: RCMP, non-pr<strong>of</strong>it (via Rotary Club)Target Group:First-time <strong>of</strong>fenders (youth and adult)Goals and Objectives: To provide an alternative to sentencingProgram Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): RCMPSupport/ Funding: Start up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 4, 1 Volunteer CoordinatorYears in Operation: 1 ?Partners Involved: Rotary ClubTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:In-houseParents are happyLack <strong>of</strong> referralsCAP Binder


<strong>Community</strong> Youth <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Fraser-Burrard <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> SocietyAnna McCormick and Alan Patola Moosmann (Program Managers)640 Poirier StreetCoquitlam, BCV3J 6B1Phone: (604) 931-3165Fax: (604) 931-3176E-mail: fbcjs@tieus.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Operated by Fraser Burrard <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Society(registered society)Target Group:Youth accused <strong>of</strong> chargeable <strong>of</strong>fences in Coquitlam, Port Moody,Anmore, Belcarra, and Port Coquitlam; Victims <strong>of</strong> these crimes.Goals and Objectives: To enhance the quality <strong>of</strong> justice in the Tri-City communitiesthrough restorative measures, which attempt to repair the harmcaused by crime, resole conflict and restore balance torelationships.Program Model:Modified Family Group Conference with co-facilitators.Referral Source(s): Police; some community and school referrals.Referral Types:Mostly category 3 and 4 <strong>of</strong>fences (mischief, B&E, assault, theft).Not restricted to first time <strong>of</strong>fenders.Support/ Funding: 50% municipal government, 50% other (mostly private), start-upgrant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: 2 half-time Program Managers, 1 half-time Program AssistantVolunteers Involved: 9 Board members, 10 active facilitators (current training inprogress to increase number)Years in Operation: Accepting cases since January 2000Partners Involved: Police; school district; MCFD; community resources (volunteerwork placements, youth employment agencies, family programs,drug and alcohol services, anger management program).Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Facilitators complete 80 hour training program covering restorativejustice principles and models <strong>of</strong> practice, communication skills,mediation, youth and victim issues, and community resources.New volunteers paired with experienced volunteers as c<strong>of</strong>acilitators.Anonymous evaluations completed by participants at end <strong>of</strong>resolution conference show high satisfaction. 98% <strong>of</strong> youth havesuccessfully completed terms <strong>of</strong> their conference agreements.Operating funds; Lack <strong>of</strong> provincial support challenges ongoingmunicipal funding; Pressures to accept referrals for non-criminalincidents; Volunteer retention; Need for community education.


Cranbrook <strong>Community</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>Cranbrook RCMPCst. Stephanie Mount31 - 11 th Avenue SouthCranbrook, BCV1C 2N9Phone: (250) 417-4231Fax: (250) 417-4211E-mail: Stephanie.MOUNT@rcmp.grc-gc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: RCMP and <strong>Community</strong> operatedTarget Group:Young and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To increase referrals and train new volunteers.Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): Police, crown, probation, schoolsReferral Types:Property <strong>of</strong>fences, neighborhood issues, mischief, assault.Support/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 2 facilitatorsYears in Operation: 5Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator trainingVery low recidivism rate; referrals from police greatly increased.Training new volunteers; advertising program.Conference facilities provided.


Creston Valley <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Roma Rowed-Falconer (Coordinator)c/o Creston RCMP Detachment421 - 16 th AvenueCreston, BCV0B 1G0Phone: (250) 482-9313Fax: (250) 482-7314E-mail: darobe@kootenay.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Program run out <strong>of</strong> Creston RCMP Detachment (Cpl. TerryMacKELLAR)Target Group:Youth and adult <strong>of</strong>fenders.Goals and Objectives: To provide a quality service to the community.Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): Over 90% RCMPSupport/ Funding: Grants and donations; start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 10Years in Operation: Program started in 2000, but then lost its coordinator. Program isstarting again, May 2002.Partners Involved: Local businesses, and Lower Kootenay Band.Training:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Facilitators trained by RCMP.Keeping volunteer staff.RCMP, other programs in the province.


Dawson Creek <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>NCO i/c Dawson Creek Detachment1230 102 nd AvenueDawson Creek, BCV1G 4V3Phone: (250) 784-3700Fax: (250) 784-3721E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 4Partners Involved:Runs under the detachment with a steering committee made up <strong>of</strong>private citizens, the NCO i/c and Ops NCO. Not formallyincorporated as a society.Young <strong>of</strong>fendersTo reduce crime by young <strong>of</strong>fenders in the community and bringsome healing to the victims <strong>of</strong> crime through consultation andcommunication with <strong>of</strong>fenders.Family Group Conferencing based on the Sparwood model (asdesigned by S/Sgt. Jake Bouwman)RCMP, Probation, Crown, and victims who request the serviceStart-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG. No ongoing funding.No paid staff3 on Steering committee, and 6 facilitatorsRCMP members, Crown, Defense Counsel, Judge, Mayor andCouncil, communityTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:In house training provided to new facilitators<strong>Community</strong> willingness to be involved in the program and askingfor it on many occasions; no repeat <strong>of</strong>fenders; observed behavior<strong>of</strong> participants following a session wherein they are happy, feelthey received a benefit from the program, and speak verypositively about the experience as opposed to traditional courts;we have had a couple <strong>of</strong> incidents where the <strong>of</strong>fender has workedat a victim’s business to pay back the <strong>of</strong>fence, then the businesshas been so happy they hired the people.Proper funding to train volunteers and expand the program; nothaving a full time coordinator.The Province is saving a lot <strong>of</strong> money through this system and should be funding it rather thanus always having to do more with less. Without funding in the future all programs will fail.More training and information sessions should be held in the North so volunteers don’t have totravel to the Lower Mainland.


Fernie Youth Assistance and <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Fernie RCMPCst. M. M. Tieman496 13 th Street, P.O. Box 430Fernie, BCV0B 1M0Phone: (250) 423-4404Fax: (250) 423-6462E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: RCMPTarget Group:Young <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To be an alternative to court and reduce the number <strong>of</strong> repeat<strong>of</strong>fenders.Program Model:Victim - Offender ReconciliationReferral Source(s): PoliceReferral Types:Criminal <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 2 (coordinator and facilitator)Years in Operation: 6Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Coordinator and facilitator attended seminarsReduced recidivism rateExtra work for members to be involved in structured program


Fort St. John <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Chris Drummond, Program Manager10648 - 100 th StreetFort St. John, BCV1J 1R8Phone: (250) 787-8109Fax: (250) 787-8133E-mail: drummond@solarwinds.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it program under the umbrella <strong>of</strong> the Northern PeaceSociety.Target Group:First-time <strong>of</strong>fenders <strong>of</strong> any age.Goals and Objectives: To create conditions for an <strong>of</strong>fender to fix their mistakes forthemselves, repair the harm they have done, and return to thecommunity strengthened. To provide the victim(s) with supportneeded to give a voice to their hurts and needs. To facilitate anddraw out each forum participant’s human capacity to forgive andbe forgiven and to heal and be healed in order that relationshipscan be healed and transformed.Program Model:Victim-Offender MediationReferral Source(s): RCMP, schools, private citizens.Referral Types:Theft under, B&E, assault, threats, fraud, mischief, possession,arson, etc.Support/ Funding: Gaming Commission, bingo, raffles; donations; grantsStaffing Structure: One paid Program ManagerVolunteers Involved: 10, facilitatorsYears in Operation: 6Partners Involved: RCMP, Northern Peace <strong>Community</strong> Resources, Northern PeaceAddictions Services, Salvation Army, SPCA, MCFD, City, FirstNations Friendship Centre.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:RCMP facilitation training.Decreasing rate <strong>of</strong> non-compliance; low recidivism; positivefeedback from families and victims.Finding qualified trainer to train facilitators; high drop-out rate <strong>of</strong>facilitators; selling program to RCMP; lack <strong>of</strong> time for PR; lack <strong>of</strong>support for <strong>of</strong>fenders; lack <strong>of</strong> community service hoursplacements; community perceptions <strong>of</strong> “justice”; increasingdemands, and lack <strong>of</strong> funding.Comment: I would like to see a central support and information centre for Alternative Measures<strong>Programs</strong> where we can call in to get information and support. We are an isolated community inthe province and it would be nice to connect with other programs so we can encourage andsupport one another.


Fraser Region <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Initiatives AssociationMailing Address20678 Eastleigh CrescentLangley, BCV3A 4C4Phone: (604) 534-5515Fax: (604) 534-6989E-mail: cjibc@axionet.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> organization:Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it societyMM CJIBC has three programs which will each be described here. MMVictim Offender Reconciliation ProgramContact:Eric Stutzman, Lydia Steer, or Catherine BargenTarget Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Youth and adults from Delta to AbbotsfordTo affect understanding and reconciliation between victimand <strong>of</strong>fender; to involve community people in work withproblems that normally lead into the criminal justice process.Victim Offender Mediation, Conciliation, and application <strong>of</strong>various restorative justice modelsCrown, probationB&E, theft, assault, mischief, etc.Provincial Alternative Measures contracts; private donationsTwo full-time equivalents10: involved in case development and facilitationReferral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 21Partners Involved: Crown Counsel, ProbationTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:36 hour training in restorative justice and Victim OffenderMediation, or <strong>Justice</strong> Institute Certificate plus three dayVictim Offender Mediation orientation.New understanding; victims and <strong>of</strong>fenders encountered byeach other as real people; responsibility taken; healing <strong>of</strong>relationships; agreements reached and carried through;victim restitution; service; behavioral contracts; lowrecidivism.Limited public sector funding; limited community resourcesto which to refer clients; co-opting <strong>of</strong> restorative justice byretributive criminal justice system.


Fraser Region <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Initiatives AssociationVictim Offender Mediation ProgramContact:Sandi Bergen or David GustafsonTarget Group:Victims, <strong>of</strong>fender, and their families impacted by serious andviolent crime throughout BC and the YukonGoals and Objectives: To meet the needs for healing and closure for peopleresponsible for or harmed by the most serious and violentcrime.Program Model: Facilitated Therapeutic Dialogue, Applied Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Referral Source(s): Victim assistance providers, National Parole Board,Correctional Service <strong>of</strong> Canada staff, Therapists, NativeElders, religious leadersReferral Types: Serious and violent <strong>of</strong>fences (e.g. murder, rape)Support/ Funding: Correctional Services <strong>of</strong> CanadaStaffing Structure: Two full-timeVolunteers Involved:NoneYears in Operation: 12Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Therapeutic gains (victim trauma recovery and <strong>of</strong>fenderempathy development); high participant satisfaction inobjective evaluations; new understanding; victims and<strong>of</strong>fenders encountered as real people; responsibility taken;healing <strong>of</strong> individuals and relationships.Highly controversial nature <strong>of</strong> work; “politicization”, andterritorial claims.Education for PeacebuildingContact:Eric Sutzman or Catherine BargenTarget Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Type9:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 2Partners Involved: Langley School DistrictLangley School DistrictTo build capacity for respectful, peacemaking, andrestorative justice interventions at every level in the LangleySchool District educational hierarchies, thereby reducing theincidence <strong>of</strong> adversarial, punitive, and retributive response toconflicts and tensions that arise.Applied Restorative Action (varied by situation)Any person in the Langley School DistrictAll types <strong>of</strong> conflict with real harmGrants; School District funding; private donationsOne full-time equivalentMany in various schoolsTraining:Five day training in Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>


Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:New understanding; people harmed and causing harm areencountered as real people; responsibility taken; healing <strong>of</strong>relationships; agreements reached and carried through.Provincial funding cuts to education system.MM CJIBC also <strong>of</strong>fers training, education, consultation and technical assistanceMM


Golden Youth and Adult Diversion ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Golden RCMPCpl. M. Shehovac or Cst. Garth BurluckDona Gylander, CoordinatorBox 810Golden, BCPhone: (250) 344-2521V0A 1H0Phone: (250) 344-2221Fax: (250) 344-2841E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:First-time adult and young <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To <strong>of</strong>fer another option for victims, police and <strong>of</strong>fendersProgram Model:Alternative Resolution (Sparwood model)Referral Source(s): RCMPReferral Types:Minor <strong>of</strong>fences, where victim is in agreementSupport/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: Coordinator, plus 3 facilitatorsYears in Operation: 7Partners Involved: Civilian member coordinatorsTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Seminars put on by Attorney GeneralVictim satisfaction; <strong>of</strong>fender’s parent see more consequencesthan through court.Training new community member (previous coordinator moved)


Granisle and Area <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Ian Ward-CoxBox 256Granisle, B.C.V0J 1W0Phone: (250) 697-2414Fax: (250) 697-6246E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Under RCMP Detachment with <strong>Community</strong> Consultative GroupTarget Group:First time <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: Offender accountability through community involvementProgram Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): RCMPReferral Types: Criminal Code <strong>of</strong>fences, Type 4Support/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: Under developmentVolunteers Involved: 1 Facilitator (trained by RCMP)Years in Operation: 2Partners Involved: RCMP, school, Village Counsel, social workersTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitation training98% <strong>of</strong> cases have not re-<strong>of</strong>fendedFAS; drugs; lack <strong>of</strong> recreational facilitiesRCMP, social workers, drug and alcohol counselors.


Harrison-Kent Youth Diversionand <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> AssociationContact <strong>Information</strong>Kitty Chisholm, CoordinatorBox 494Harrison Hot Springs, BCV0M 1K0Phone: (604) 796-3999Fax: (604) 796-2517E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved: 9Years in Operation: A little over 1 yearNon-pr<strong>of</strong>it societyLocal young <strong>of</strong>fendersTo provide closure and, if needed, financial restitution for thevictim(s); to provide an opportunity for the young <strong>of</strong>fender tounderstand the impact <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fense; to integrate, throughcommunity work hours, the youth into his/ her community andfoster a feeling <strong>of</strong> responsibility in the youth; to refer youth toanger management and/ or drug and alcohol counseling, ifneeded.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Panel with mentors.RCMP, Crown CounselStart-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; local funding.No paid staffTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Initial training provided by another area program. In housetraining for volunteers.We have accepted 27 youth, and 20 have completed the programsuccessfully and have not re-<strong>of</strong>fended.Youth who come from homes where there is no reinforcement <strong>of</strong>youth’s rehabilitation; youth from foster homes, where fosterparents are hampered by their inability to enforce rules.


Hope <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Gerry DybleBox 40Hope, BCV0X 1L0Phone: (604) 869-7758Fax: (604) 869-7755E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation:Partners Involved:Training:Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itFirst-time young <strong>of</strong>fendersTo promote awareness and education <strong>of</strong> restorative justicephilosophy, principles and practice; to facilitate reconciliation inrelationships between victims, <strong>of</strong>fenders, and the community; tostrengthen our sense <strong>of</strong> community by involvement in a restorativeprocess in an effort to reduce crime; to facilitate a processwhereby victims, <strong>of</strong>fenders and community experience justice.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumRCMPCategory 3 and 4 (theft, mischief, fraud, etc.)<strong>Community</strong>, start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGNo paid staff1 Program Coordinator, 18 facilitators and Board members10 monthsRCMP<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator training


Secwepemc <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>c/o Whispering Pines/ Clinton Indian BandEdith FortierRR #1, Site 8, Comp 4Kamloops, BCV2B 8P6Phone: (250) 579-5772Fax: (250) 579-8367E-mail: wpcib@telus.netWebsite: www.wpcib.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Whispering Pines/ Clinton Indian Band administers the program.Target Group:Youth and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersProgram Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum, Alternative Measures (youth and adult)Referral Source(s): RCMP, community, schools, Crown CounselSupport/ Funding: Start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGVolunteers Involved: 25


Kaslo Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> CommitteeContact <strong>Information</strong>Larry Moore or Kevin StanwayBox 1111Kaslo, BCV0G 1M0Phone: (250) 353-2809 (Larry Moore)Website: www.krjc.orgPhone: (250) 353-7364 (Kevin Stanway)E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Circle <strong>of</strong> volunteersTarget Group:People who are in conflict with each other or with the lawGoals and Objectives: To learn and integrate the values and principles <strong>of</strong> restorativejustice into our lives; to build capacity in the community to haveheartfelt dialogue about difficult issues; to assist persons inconflict with others or the law in arriving at their own mutuallyagreeable settlements when requested; to give considered optionsand recommendations to justice pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, government, andothers.Program Model:Flexible (uses principles <strong>of</strong> Peacemaking Circles, Victim OffenderReconciliation, and Family Group Conferencing).Referral Source(s): <strong>Community</strong>, schools, police, court, probationReferral Types:Any conflictsSupport/ Funding: DonationsStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 7 facilitators and 5 supporting membersYears in Operation: Since August 1997Partners Involved: Teachers, school administrators, politicians, RCMP, inmaterestorative justice groups, and community.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Experiential training and dialogue about values and principles.Committee members have incorporated restorative justiceprinciples into relationships and workplaces; over 25% <strong>of</strong> thecommunity’s population has attended public educational events;high satisfaction <strong>of</strong> clients.Political agenda <strong>of</strong> “getting tough on crime”; retributive socialconditioning; enormous volunteer time and effort to introduce<strong>of</strong>ficers to the principles and processes <strong>of</strong> restorative justicebecause <strong>of</strong> RCMP relocation.Resources Available: Support and guidance from psychologists, criminologists, judges, spiritualadvisors, native elders and other restorative justice groups andpractitioners; library <strong>of</strong> books, articles, websites and videos.KRJC members co-facilitate Alternatives to Violence Project workshops.


Central Okanagan Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>Central Okanagan Boys and Girls ClubS. Dawn Wilkinson1633 Richter StreetP.O. Box 75Kelowna, BCV1Y 7N3Phone: (250) 762-3914Website: www.boysandgirlsclub.caFax: (250) 762-6562E-mail: dwilkinson@boysandgirlsclub.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group: Youth ages 12 to 18Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Central Okanagan Boys and Girls Club is non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizationacting as the home agency. Provides a regional approach whichincludes central administration and local implementation for 5communities.To provide a regional program that is centrally administered andlocally implemented; to provide an RCMP referred, non-courtalternative for youth who are involved in a minor chargeableincident for the first time.<strong>Community</strong> Conferencing Model, plus mentor.RCMPCategory 3 and 4; Drug Free Zone incidents (We have integratedpolicies among the RCMP, SD #23, and Central OkanaganRestorative <strong>Justice</strong>).Support/ Funding: Term funding from all four levels <strong>of</strong> government (City, Regional,Provincial, Federal); project funding from service groups.Staffing Structure: Full-time paid coordinator reports to Executive Director <strong>of</strong> CentralOkanagan Boys and Girls Club.Volunteers Involved: 30; administrative, case management, records management,events management, “front line” volunteers; all volunteers trainedas facilitators, co-facilitators, and mentors.Years in Operation: Coordinator hired August 2000; Volunteers trained January 2001;Partners Involved:First referrals received March 2001.Advisory Committee membersTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Orientation training by Boys and Girls Club; facilitation training byTransformative <strong>Justice</strong> Australia; mentor training by <strong>Community</strong>Services; ongoing monthly training.Evaluation process is under development.Consistent funding to sustain the program.Articles, books, and videos; display equipment and materials.


Kitimat Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Peggy Bare, Cst. JoAnne Ruppenthal, or Cst. Brenda Daly888 Lahakas Blvd.Kitimat, BCV8C 2H9Phone: (250) 632-7111Fax: (250) 632-2326E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Under umbrella <strong>of</strong> Kitimat RCMPTarget Group:All <strong>of</strong>fendersProgram Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): RCMPSupport/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: Coordinator and 5 volunteersYears in Operation: 3Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator trainingLow recidivism rate; positive response from participants, as shownin post conference evaluationsMaking the public aware <strong>of</strong> our presence.


Ladysmith and District <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>E. J. (Gay) Armstrong801 Malone RoadLadysmith, BCV9G 1N2Phone: (250) 245-7032E-mail: agnus_armstrong@telus.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it under LS Resource Centre umbrella organization forfinancial account management and for charitable donationsTarget Group:Young and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To prevent re-<strong>of</strong>fending and assist teen and parent growth.Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum; CAP from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGReferral Source(s): RCMPReferral Types:Category 3 and 4 <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: Town <strong>of</strong> Ladysmith and local individual/ club donations; start-upgrant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 10: Coordinator; facilitator; co-facilitatorYears in Operation: 3Partners Involved: ADAPT Youth at Risk Worker/ Youth Mental Health WorkerTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator trainingCompletion <strong>of</strong> Conference requirements with 95% one year laterNeed for ongoing progress program after completion <strong>of</strong> case t<strong>of</strong>ollow <strong>of</strong>fender and assist with counseling, etc.; getting weekendcommunity hours for youth in school.Limited


Cowichan Lake Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Cst. R. F. Wallace or Ken Stock70 Stanley StreetP.O. Box 1290Lake Cowichan, BCV0R 2G0Phone: (250) 749-6668Fax: (250) 749-6458E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Youth and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To educate, reduce crime, and encourage participationProgram Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum (RCMP)Referral Source(s): RCMPReferral Types:Criminal Code <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: <strong>Community</strong> Policing Access CentreStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 16: facilitators and mentorsYears in Operation: 5Partners Involved: Police, communityTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Given locally. Both facilitators and mentors attend workshops.Low recidivism rate; client satisfactionKeeping resolutions creative and relevant.Two instructors on Detachment


Langley Youth and Family ServicesContact <strong>Information</strong>Karl Friesen5569 204 th StreetLangley, BCV3A 1Z4Phone: (604) 514-2900Fax: (604) 530-1835E-mail: tanyar@city.langley.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Local government-funded service with a mandate to provideservice to police referrals and “at risk” community referrals.Target Group:Children and Youth who come in contact with the law or potentialconflict with the law and are identified by acting out behavior.Goals and Objectives: To prevent child/ youth entry into the criminal justice system bystrengthening families and reducing child/ youth and familyproblems where the child/ youth are identified by potential oractual conflict with the law; to coordinate community conferencesto address responsibility and accountability for their behavior andaddress the repair <strong>of</strong> harm experienced by the victim; to promoteearly identification and early intervention for the purpose <strong>of</strong> crimeprevention for children/ youth.Program Model:Integration <strong>of</strong> family counseling with Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): Police, community (schools, physicians, MCFD)Referral Types:Theft under, behavioral concernsSupport/ Funding: Municipal governments and short-term funding from NCPC grant.Staffing Structure: Half-time Coordinator/ FacilitatorVolunteers Involved: Volunteer program is in developmentYears in Operation: 1 ?Partners Involved: RCMP; Township and City <strong>of</strong> Langley; Langley Child and YouthCommitteeTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:<strong>Justice</strong> Institute coursesLow recidivism; agreements completed; family self-report onbehavior change and satisfaction; victim satisfaction; familycounseling assessment.Integrating family counseling and community conferencing withthe two services enhancing each other’s work.


Lumby <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Whitevalley <strong>Community</strong> Resource CentreSue RossiBox 6612114 Shuswap AvenueLumby, BCV0E 2G0Phone: (250) 547-8866Fax: (250) 547-6285E-mail: wcrc@junction.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Non-violent, first-time young <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To provide restitution in a restorative process.Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumReferral Source(s): RCMPReferral Types:Non-violentSupport/ Funding: Private; RCMP veterans; communityStaffing Structure: 1 coordinator (5 hours a week)Volunteers Involved: 12: steering committee and trained facilitatorsYears in Operation: 2 ?Partners Involved: Whitevalley <strong>Community</strong> Resource Centre; RCMP; high school;health unit; Lumby Counsel; Crossroads Learning CentreTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:5 volunteers completed <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitationtraining March 2001Increased awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum in Lumby;decrease in recidivism with young <strong>of</strong>fendersFunding; networking with the province; the existing administrationstructure <strong>of</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumLibrary books, meeting space and <strong>of</strong>fice equipment (in-kind)


<strong>Justice</strong> Alternatives for MackenzieContact <strong>Information</strong>Jonathan Toews, Co-Chair/ Director1 Mackenzie BoulevardP.O. Box 135Mackenzie, BCV0J 2C0Phone: (250) 997-5244Fax: (250) 997-5247E-mail: jtoews@sd57.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it SocietyTarget Group:Young <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To participate in the <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Programestablished by the <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG. To develop and increasepublic participation in the alternative justice system programs. Tostimulate lay and pr<strong>of</strong>essional participation, assessment andimprovement <strong>of</strong> alternative justice programs. To target young<strong>of</strong>fenders and intervene in criminal behavior early and decisivelyin order to prevent such behavior from recurringProgram Model:Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): RCMP, Probation, Crown CounselReferral Types:Theft under, mischief, community disputes, (discussion inprogress <strong>of</strong> possibly accepting school and workplace disputes)Support/ Funding: $5000 start up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; $250 per year fromDistrict <strong>of</strong> MackenzieStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: Board <strong>of</strong> directors, Program Coordinator, and FGC facilitators (12)Years in Operation: Three (The <strong>Justice</strong> Alternatives for Mackenzie Society wasregistered on June 29, 1999)Partners Involved: Municipal (District <strong>of</strong> Mackenzie) provides rooms, provincial, andfederal governments for funding; RCMP; local businessTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Family Group Conferencing facilitation certificates for allfacilitators and Program CoordinatorUse <strong>of</strong> program by RCMP, local businesses, etc.; low incidence <strong>of</strong>recidivism; testimonial evidence from Program CoordinatorFunding; need for more support from local businesses; use <strong>of</strong> theprogram by RCMP.None yet.


Ridge-Meadows Youth and <strong>Justice</strong> Advocacy AssociationContact <strong>Information</strong>Lola Chapman or Barb Dovanne228 - 11960 Haney PlaceMaple Ridge, BCV2X 6G1Phone: (604) 467-5889Fax: (604) 467-8544E-mail: youthdiv@smartt.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Young <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To step in at the first <strong>of</strong>fence and by intervention and communityinvolvement prevent re-<strong>of</strong>fending, while including the victim. Wewill provide one-on-one mentoring and access to other serviceproviders. We help the <strong>of</strong>fender understand the impact <strong>of</strong> his/ heractions. We hope to leave each youth with a sense <strong>of</strong> empathyand involvement.Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Panel, plus mentoringReferral Source(s): RCMP, CrownReferral Types: Category 3 and 4; some category 2Support/ Funding: Municipal CouncilsStaffing Structure: Coordinator; Assistant CoordinatorVolunteers Involved: 29: mentors and committee membersYears in Operation: 7 ?Partners Involved: Business community, special needs groups, churches. Etc.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Ongoing in-house training with occasional pr<strong>of</strong>essionals broughtin.Low rate <strong>of</strong> recidivism one year laterFunding.Board <strong>of</strong> Directors; supportive community.


<strong>Community</strong> Peacemaking CirclesContact <strong>Information</strong>Mission Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> CoalitionMeredith Egan/ Dr. Liz Elliott32959 Third AvenueChilliwack, BCV2V 1N5Phone: (604) 826-8859Fax: (604) 820-8535E-mail: pacific_mission@telus.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Models:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation:Partners Involved:Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:<strong>Community</strong> coalition, advised and supported by Advisory Group(sub-committee <strong>of</strong> the District <strong>of</strong> Mission’s <strong>Justice</strong> Council)Anyone in Mission who is in conflict and wishes our helpTo facilitate <strong>Community</strong> Peacemaking Circles for motivatedparties instead <strong>of</strong> - or before, throughout, and after - the criminaljustice process. Inclusiveness is inherent in all circle or victimmediation processes.Peacemaking Circles, VORP, Circles <strong>of</strong> Support, Multi-PartyMediation. Model is based on needs <strong>of</strong> case.RCMP, community, and schoolsCriminal and non-criminal conflictsLimited; applying for funding through municipal projects.No paid staff5 trained facilitators, 2 coordinators, and more than 20 othercommunity members assisting and supporting our workLess than oneAdvisory committee made up <strong>of</strong> members from School District,Probation, Parole, RCMP, and Downtown Business Association;community groups.Trained Victim-Offender Mediation mediators, facilitators, andcircle keepers.Satisfaction with the program; continued community support.Funding; resources are <strong>of</strong>ten taxed (volunteers have limited time.Paid staff would move the process along more quickly.)We partner with many community groups, service providers, andchurches. We have built important relationships with many withinand outside <strong>of</strong> our community who have been assisting us in thisproject.


Nanaimo Region John Howard SocietyRestorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Nanaimo Region John Howard SocietyViolet Smith, Program Coordinator200-1585 Bowen RoadNanaimo, BCV9S 1G4Phone: (250) 754-2340Fax: (250) 754-1266E-mail: jhsoc@mail.island.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 4Partners Involved: RCMPNon-pr<strong>of</strong>itFirst-time <strong>of</strong>fendersTo provide an alternative program for dealing with <strong>of</strong>fenders whohave committed an <strong>of</strong>fence and who have little or no criminalhistory.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumRCMP; CrownVariedNRJHS; start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG1 Coordinator10 FacilitatorsTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitation training by RCMPConference evaluations; 98% successful completionsFunding


North Cowichan/ Duncan Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProjectMailing Addressc/o Volunteer CowichanGeorg Stratemeyer1 Kennedy PlaceDuncan, BCV9L 5G3Phone: (250) 748-2133Fax: (250) 748-3509E-mail: gstratemeyer@volunteercowichan.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it umbrella organization: <strong>Community</strong> Police AdvisoryCommitteeYoung <strong>of</strong>fendersVictim Offender ConferenceRCMP<strong>Community</strong> group donationsNo paid staff1 Coordinator, 2 Trainers, 5 FacilitatorsTarget Group:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: Since 1997Partners Involved: North Cowichan/ Duncan RCMPTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Two day program, plus co-facilitationDisposition agreement completedFunding


Arrowsmith <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Sharon Farinha727 West Island HighwayParksville, BCV9P 1B9Phone: (250) 954-2968Website: http:/nanaimo.ark.com/~qbpolice/justice/Fax: (250) 248-4962E-mail: sfarinha@nanaimo.ark.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Minor <strong>of</strong>fenders in Parksville/ QualicumGoals and Objectives: To restore harmony in our communitiesProgram Model:Modified Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): RCMP, CrownReferral Types:Category 3 and 4 <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: City <strong>of</strong> Parksville, Town <strong>of</strong> Qualicum, start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong><strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: 1 paid coordinatorVolunteers Involved: 44 (6 are School District volunteers only)Years in Operation: 3Partners Involved: RCMP, Qualicum First Nations, City <strong>of</strong> Parksville, Town <strong>of</strong>QualicumIndicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Evaluations; high completion and compliance rate; low recidivismrate; increased use <strong>of</strong> program.Maintaining interest and skills <strong>of</strong> volunteers.Human resources!


Peachland Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>Peachland <strong>Community</strong> PolicingBob HarrimanP.O. Box 1166Peachland, BCV0H 1X7Phone: (250) 767-9109Fax: (250) 767-9109E-mail: harriman@okanagan.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation:Partners Involved:Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it umbrella organization (Peachland <strong>Community</strong> Policing)First-time young <strong>of</strong>fenders in PeachlandTo operate a “community” Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> program consistentwith the 2000 <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG’s C.A.P. Guidelines.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumRCMPTheft under, B&E, minor assault, bullying, mischief, etc.$5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGVolunteer Coordinator, Volunteer Assistant Coordinator9, Facilitators2002 Start-upNoneAll Peachland Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> volunteers are RCMP certifiedfacilitators; Coordinator attended VORP Mediation Workshop,Revelstoke (Aug 01)To date, training <strong>of</strong> volunteers, a community forum, and mediaPR.Obtaining RCMP cooperation and referrals; maintainingcommunity and media support and interest.Private secure meeting rooms in the Peachland <strong>Community</strong>Policing Office; trained, capable volunteers; adequate operatingfunds.


Penticton RCMP Crime Prevention UnitContact <strong>Information</strong>Al Sismey1168 Main StreetPenticton, BCV2A 5E8Phone: (250) 770-4721Fax: (250) 492-4851E-mail: al.Sismey@rcmp-grc.gc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Operates under the umbrella <strong>of</strong> a non-pr<strong>of</strong>it society, PentictonCrime Prevention InstituteFirst-time young <strong>of</strong>fendersTo <strong>of</strong>fer victims and <strong>of</strong>fenders a meaningful way to resolve andrepair harm done through petty crime; to teach <strong>of</strong>fenders theimportance <strong>of</strong> accountability, responsibility, and the value <strong>of</strong>making good choices.Group or Resolution Conference ModelPoliceProvincial Statute <strong>of</strong>fences and Criminal Code <strong>of</strong>fences which areSummary Conviction or dual procedure$5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; Penticton CrimePrevention InstituteStaff member from Penticton Crime Prevention Institutecoordinates program part-timeFacilitatorsVolunteers Involved:Years in Operation: Since 2000Partners Involved: RCMP Crime Prevention UnitTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Seminars, along with local trainingHigh completion rate; low recidivism rate.Human resources; being able to change the “mind set” <strong>of</strong> thecommunity with respect to following new processes when dealingwith Young Offenders; convincing all available resources to worktogether in a community for a common good.Mentoring programs, community service opportunities, drug andalcohol counseling, parenting programs.


Port Hardy Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> SocietyContact <strong>Information</strong>Florence Van Graven, CoordinatorBox 86Port Hardy, BCV0N 2P0Phone: (250) 949-6335Fax: (250) 949-6337E-mail: cadeo@island.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it societyFirst-time <strong>of</strong>fendersTo maintain a community driven group <strong>of</strong> volunteers, linked withthe local schools and RCMP case files; to build bridges betweenthe surrounding three First Nations Bands utilizing the Elders fromeach Band; to ensure the community takes responsibility for theircitizens.<strong>Community</strong> Based ForumRCMPMinor <strong>of</strong>fencesNational Crime Prevention Centre; in-kind from RCMP; start-upgrant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG1 paid coordinator49 volunteers: mentors, facilitators, recorders (plus 11 RCMP<strong>of</strong>ficers)Years in Operation: 2 1/2Partners Involved: Links with 27 local agencies; town <strong>of</strong> Port Hardy; RCMPTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Training by RCMP; on-going in-house training97% success rate; on-going evaluations; feedback from members<strong>of</strong> the community.Loss <strong>of</strong> volunteers (due to job market)Meeting rooms in community; Program Manual


Port McNeill RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Kelly M. CarsonBox 730Port McNeill, BCV0N 2R0Phone: (250) 956-4114Fax: (250) 956-2187E-mail: kcarson@island.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Young and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersProgram Model:Group Conferencing (<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum)Referral Source(s): RCMP, School DistrictReferral Types:All <strong>of</strong>fences except domestic violence or sexual assaultSupport/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PGGSStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: Volunteer manager, plus 10 volunteersYears in Operation: 3 1/2Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator trainingHigh rate <strong>of</strong> compliance; low recidivism rateFunding; legislation for non-compliance


Whu’ Neeh Nee’ - Guiders Of Our PeopleContact <strong>Information</strong>Carrier Sekani Family Services Alternative Dispute Resolution ProgramJoann Friske or Benna Rathburn987 Fourth AvenuePrince George, BCV2L 3H7Phone: (250) 562-3591website: www.csfs.orgFax: (250) 562-2272E-mail: benna@csfs.orgProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Types:Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it, UmbrellaFirst Nations communityTo resolve family disputes; to promote community participation; t<strong>of</strong>oster confidence in the process; to ensure the mechanism isaccessibleMediation, negotiation, arbitrationLegal disputes


Prince Rupert Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Lax Kw alaams BandTeresa WesleyP.O. Box 415Prince Rupert, BCV8J 3R2Phone: (250) 622-2891Website: www.laxkwalaam.caFax: (250) 622-2893E-mail: twesley@cibytel.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: UmbrellaTarget Group:Youth and adults, with a First Nations focusProgram Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Panel; Family Group Conferencing;Sentencing AdvisoryReferral Source(s): RCMP, Crown, other organizationsReferral Types:All <strong>of</strong>fensesSupport/ Funding: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Staffing Structure: 1 ? paid staff positionsVolunteers Involved: <strong>Justice</strong> Committee: 8Years in Operation: 2Partners Involved: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>, RCMP, Native <strong>Community</strong>Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator trainingIncreased number <strong>of</strong> files; client satisfaction; agency satisfactionLack <strong>of</strong> funding; lack <strong>of</strong> resources; funding instability;underutilization.


School District #69 Qualicum Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Sharon Farinha727 West Island HighwayParksville, BCV9P 1B9Phone: (250) 954-2968Website: http:/nanaimo.ark.com/~qbpolice/justice/Fax: (250) 248-4962E-mail: sfarinha@nanaimo.ark.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Directed by School District #69. Accountable to School DistrictCommittee and SuperintendentTarget Group:School District #69 students and employeesGoals and Objectives: To provide an alternative to conventional discipline.Program Model:Modified Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): School staff and administrationReferral Types:Disciplinary or minor criminal incidentsSupport/ Funding: School District #69Staffing Structure: 1 CoordinatorVolunteers Involved: 18 School District volunteersYears in Operation: 2Partners Involved: P.A.C.; SD #69 PVPA; SD #69 CUPE and MATA (teachers);RCMP; School BoardTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:8 to 10 week, on-site, locally developed training programEvaluations submitted; completion <strong>of</strong> obligations in contracts;increased use <strong>of</strong> program.School AOS may be reluctant to ask for help.School and community facilitators, conference teams.


Quesnel <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Candace King, Coordinator345 Anderson AvenueQuesnel, BCV2J 1G3Phone: (250) 992-5743Fax: (250) 992-5743E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 4Partners Involved: City <strong>of</strong> Quesnel, RCMPNon-pr<strong>of</strong>itFirst-time youth and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersTo involve the community in solving the problems associated withcrime and provide the motivation and personal help to keep thefirst-time <strong>of</strong>fender from becoming a repeat <strong>of</strong>fender.Family Group ConferencingPoliceLess serious <strong>of</strong>fences, such as theft under, possession <strong>of</strong> stolenproperty, minor assault, causing a disturbance; and mischief.City <strong>of</strong> Quesnel provides wages for employee for 4 hours perweek.One part-time coordinator5 trained facilitatorsTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Facilitators trained by role playing with students from a dramaclass, meeting with a police <strong>of</strong>ficer, and observing conferences.Upon completion, each case is assessed a compliance rate.Getting police <strong>of</strong>ficers on board with the program.Real <strong>Justice</strong> Training Manual; Provincial <strong>Community</strong> Coordinator,<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and Solicitor General.


<strong>Community</strong> ConnectionsContact <strong>Information</strong>Julie Briese111 - 1 st Street WestP.O. Box 596Revelstoke, BCV0E 2S0Phone: (250) 837-2920 (ext. 71)Fax: (250) 837-2909E-mail: tranquil.shores@revelstoke.netProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it/ Umbrella organizationTarget Group:Young <strong>of</strong>fenders, adult <strong>of</strong>fenders, victims.Goals and Objectives: To create opportunities for Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> or Collaborative<strong>Justice</strong>.Program Model:CJIC model used in Langley at <strong>Justice</strong> Initiatives/ VORPReferral Source(s): Police, occasionally Probation, CrownReferral Types:Minor Criminal Code <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: Grants; community donationsStaffing Structure: One mediator (hourly rate)Volunteers Involved: N/AYears in Operation: 3Partners Involved: City; Columbia River Basin; <strong>Community</strong> Connections umbrella; BC<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Victim-Offender Reconciliation Training Program <strong>of</strong>fered at <strong>Justice</strong>Initiatives and delivered by CJIC, Langley.Client satisfaction sheets have all been positive.Getting referrals.Contact with other communities; reading materials; phoning<strong>Justice</strong> Initiatives in Langley for advice.Revelstoke hosted a VORP Mediator Workshop September 2001 with funding from CrimePrevention Canada. Eric Stutzman from CJIC was the facilitator. It was a great opportunity formediators from Okanagan/ Thompson/ Columbia and Kamloops to attend.The program is in the process <strong>of</strong> setting up a meeting with the RCMP to promote/ support thiscommunity program.


Richmond Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>Richmond RCMPS/Sgt. Colin Abel6900 Minoru Blvd.Richmond, BCV6Y 1Y3Phone: (604) 207-4713Fax: (604) 207-4792E-mail: colin.abel@rcmp-grc.gc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>As <strong>of</strong> April 2002 this program is at the planning stage only. It is awaiting City Council approval.


<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>of</strong> Salt Spring IslandContact <strong>Information</strong>Irene Wright, Coordinator, or Meredith Knoxc/o RCMP401 Lower Ganges RoadSalt Spring Island, BCV8K 2V4Phone: (250) 537-5347 (home) or (250) 537-5555 (RCMP)Fax: (250) 537-5357 (home) or (250) 537-1631 (RCMP)E-mail: iwright@saltspring.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 4Partners Involved:Under co-sponsorship <strong>of</strong> the Salt Spring <strong>Community</strong> ServicesSociety, the RCMP, and the Salt Spring Crime PreventionAssociation.Youth and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersTo significantly reduce minor crime in our community; to restorepeace <strong>of</strong> mind to victims <strong>of</strong> crime; to help <strong>of</strong>fenders acceptresponsibility for their actions; to respond appropriately and rapidlyto first-time criminal acts; to provide an opportunity for <strong>of</strong>fendervictimreconciliation; to provide a means to make amends and tolearn appropriate ways to solve problems; to be responsive to theneeds <strong>of</strong> the victim, the <strong>of</strong>fender, and community; to develop asense <strong>of</strong> community.Victim-<strong>of</strong>fender reconciliation, plus mentorshipRCMP, CrownMinor <strong>of</strong>fences, including simple assault but not includingdomestic violence; traffic <strong>of</strong>fences$5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; gifts from individualsand organizations; <strong>of</strong>fice space from RCMP; accounting servicesand insurance through Salt Spring <strong>Community</strong> Services.No paid staff50: chair/ facilitators, mentors, record keepers, pseudovictim (in“victimless” crime), training <strong>of</strong>ficer, coordinator, administrativeSalt Spring <strong>Community</strong> Services Society, the RCMP, and the SaltSpring Crime Prevention Association.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:12 hours up front for all volunteers and ongoing monthly inservice.Number <strong>of</strong> volunteers who remain active; evaluation at each stepin the process; annual evaluation by team members; support fromthe public; victim and <strong>of</strong>fender satisfaction.Funding; accepted use <strong>of</strong> alcohol (and other drugs); time.Resources Available: A binder for workers in the program (available to others for $3.50)


Eagle Valley Youth <strong>Community</strong> Measures ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Eileen WhiteheadRR1 55 C29Sicamous, BCV0E 2V0Phone: (250) 836-2545Fax: (250)836-4067E-mail: eileenw@sicamous.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved: 12Years in Operation: 6 yearsNon-pr<strong>of</strong>itYouth and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersTo provide an avenue <strong>of</strong> integration back into the community forpersons <strong>of</strong>fending<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Panel and <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ForumRCMPCriminal Code <strong>of</strong>fencesStart-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; no ongoing fundingNo paid staffTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:By probation from Salmon Arm <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forumfacilitation training.Most youth have finished their tasks and seem to be okay.All our resources are centered in Salmon Arm. We have “peopleresources” in Sicamous.At this time, I am looking into restructuring our program and extending to more <strong>of</strong> thecommunity.


Peninsula CrossRoads <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Etta ConnorP.O. Box 2203Sidney, BCV8L 3S8Phone: (250) 658-8922Fax: (250) 658-8110E-mail: etta@connor.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it societyTarget Group:Young <strong>of</strong>fenders in Sidney and North SaanichGoals and Objectives: To assist in resolving criminal problems <strong>of</strong> less serious nature bybringing together victim, <strong>of</strong>fender, significant supporters andcommunity members deemed helpful. To take a transformativeapproach to understanding the needs underlying the <strong>of</strong>fendingbehavior and aim to help address systemic problems.Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum/ Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): RCMP; Central Saanich Municipal police; School District;community organizations/ individuals for conflict resolution.Referral Types:Typically Category 4 - theft, mischief, minor assault, etc.Support/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; in 1999; in-kindcontributions from community supporters (<strong>of</strong>fice, meeting space,auto expenses, printing)Staffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 25 active members. Executive Committee, public speakers, areacoordinators, facilitators, mentors, historian, school liaison, trainer.Years in Operation: 3Partners Involved: Police services (RCMP and municipal); School District; Peninsula<strong>Community</strong> ServicesTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:A lead trainer, certified to train Family Group Conferencefacilitators by REAL<strong>Justice</strong> and an experienced probation <strong>of</strong>ficer,both with VORP training, conduct 2-day basic training forvolunteers. Monthly Facilitator Clinics. Mini workshops at monthlyvolunteer meeting.Conference agreement completion; School District administrationis progressive in introducing restorative measures in schooldiscipline.Funding for <strong>of</strong>fice support, training subsidies, conferenceexpenses, auto expenses, etc; consensus on training models,training providers, and cost.Supportive media; availability <strong>of</strong> human services experts.


Surrey Youth Intervention Program -Surrey RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Surrey RCMP DetachmentJulia Marcoux, Program Manager14355 57 th AvenueSurrey, BCV3X 1A9Phone: (604) 599-7781Fax: (604) 599-8892E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: RCMP <strong>Community</strong> Policing DivisionTarget Group: First-time young <strong>of</strong>fenders (ages 9 to 17)Goals and Objectives: To provide a pr<strong>of</strong>essional, early intervention service to youth andtheir families; to minimize child and youth entry into the Criminal<strong>Justice</strong> System; to hold young <strong>of</strong>fenders accountable for theirbehavior; to <strong>of</strong>fer victims an opportunity to be actively involvedwith the <strong>of</strong>fender in the reparation process; to provide the <strong>of</strong>fenderwith skills necessary to make clear, positive decisions; to providevictim satisfaction with meaningful and immediate consequencesfor youth.Program Model:Holistic and Systemic Counseling ModelReferral Source(s): RCMPReferral Types:Minor <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: City <strong>of</strong> SurreyStaffing Structure: 1 Supervisor and 1 staffVolunteers Involved: 2 or 3 practicum/ internship studentsYears in Operation: 8Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Program orientation, close supervision in liaison with UniversityInternship ProgramLow recidivism rates; evaluationsFunding; staffing resourcesPartnering with the community businesses and non-pr<strong>of</strong>its.


Trail Youth <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>Kay Medland (VAP Coordinator) or Sheila CrockettTrail RCMP Detachment3601 Laburnum DriveTrail, BCV1R 2S9Phone: (250) 364-1200 (Trail RCMP),E-mail: kay.medland@rcmp-grc.gc.ca(250) 364-2326 (Specialized Victim Services)Fax: (250) 364-1453Program <strong>Information</strong>Structure:Target Group:Objective:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 5Partners Involved: RCMPAdministered by an Advisory BoardYoung <strong>of</strong>fendersTo implement Section 69 <strong>of</strong> the Young Offenders Act; to providea forum which educates young <strong>of</strong>fenders on the emotional andpractical impact <strong>of</strong> crime on their victims and others in thecommunity; to hold young <strong>of</strong>fenders accountable for theirbehaviors, while reconnecting them with the community; to work inpartnership with the <strong>Justice</strong> System; to represent the rights andneeds <strong>of</strong> the victim; to deal with <strong>of</strong>fenses promptly; to involve thecommunity.Family Group ConferencingRCMPFirst-time category 3 or 4 <strong>of</strong>fenses, or second time <strong>of</strong>fenses wherethe first <strong>of</strong>fense was a minimum <strong>of</strong> two years prior.$5000 start up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGNo paid staff12: Board, Coordinator, facilitatorsTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:In house <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum, and on communication skills,justice system, victimization.Positive feedback on follow-up evaluations.Extreme lack <strong>of</strong> funding.Program pamphlet, Program Standards, Program Policy andProcedures.


Victim Offender Mediation ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>The John Howard Society <strong>of</strong> the Lower MainlandMelissa Ouellette, Coordinator Youth Service300 - 96 E. BroadwayVancouver, BCV5T 4N9Phone: (604) 872-5651 (ext. 313)Fax: (604) 872-4165E-mail: jhsyouth@adsl.intergate.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Operated by non-pr<strong>of</strong>it agencyTarget Group:Youth (12-17) who have committed a criminal code <strong>of</strong>fence forwhich they could be charges in the Lower MainlandProgram Model:Flexible Victim Offender Mediation/ conferencing modelReferral Source(s): Police, probation, defense counsel, judgesReferral Types:All <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: MCFD; start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: 1 paid staffVolunteers Involved: Several volunteer mediatorsYears in Operation: Since 1998Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Provided through Fraser Region <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> InitiativesPositive follow up meetings and evaluations; completion <strong>of</strong>agreements.


Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative <strong>Justice</strong> ServicesContact <strong>Information</strong>Barry Warhaft1607 East Hastings StreetVancouver, BCV5L 1S7Phone: (604) 251-7200Fax: (604) 251-7201E-mail: vatjs@vafcs.orgProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Adult <strong>of</strong>fenders (young <strong>of</strong>fender program in development)Goals and Objectives: To provide aboriginal people who come into contact with the lawand the people affected by their actions with a safe, supportive,and culturally appropriate process that leads to healing and overallwellness.Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> Council ForumReferral Source(s): Provincial and Federal CrownSupport/ Funding: Federal and Provincial governmentStaffing Structure: 1 Program Director, 2 Coordinators, 1 Administrative AssistantVolunteers Involved: 30Years in Operation: Over 2Partners Involved: Various community services and organization as referral sources.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:In-house and contractReduced recidivism; <strong>of</strong>fender and victim satisfaction andperception <strong>of</strong> fairness; community involvement.Funding; program awareness; referral type and rate.Small library.


Vancouver Association <strong>of</strong> Transformative <strong>Justice</strong>:Just SolutionsContact <strong>Information</strong>Charlotte Gottschau1023 Mclean DriveVancouver, BCV5L 3N2Phone: (604) 254-2373Fax: (604) 254-5822E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it, Umbrella organizationTarget Group:Vancouver communitiesGoals/ Objectives: EducationSupport/ Funding: VanCity/ National Crime Prevention CentreStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 7 directorsYears in Operation: 2


North Saanich/ Sidney Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> - RCMPContact <strong>Information</strong>Wm. D. (Bill) Bird, Coordinatorc/o 10886 Madrona DriveNorth Saanich, BCV8L 5N9Phone: (250) 656-7833Fax: (250) 656-7833E-mail: bbird@pinc.comProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it. Part <strong>of</strong> the Peninsula Cross Roads group.Target Group:Offenders in the District <strong>of</strong> North Saanich and town <strong>of</strong> Sidney(areas served by RCMP Saanich Detachment)Goals and Objectives: To establish a team <strong>of</strong> facilitators who are residents living in twoareas - facilitators who are experienced and well trained and arecommitted to addressing the community based restorative justiceneeds <strong>of</strong> the area, to working with the RCMP, the schools andother community agencies involved with the families in the area.Program Model:RCMP (<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum) modelReferral Source(s): RCMP, schools, community agencies.Referral Types:Criminal <strong>of</strong>fenses; school issues.Support/ Funding: $5000 start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSG; expect to receivefunds from community; hope to get funds from prov./ fed. gov’t.Staffing Structure: One paid coordinator (who is member <strong>of</strong> the Peninsula CrossRoads organization).Volunteers Involved: 4 trained facilitators (10 more scheduled for training)Years in Operation: 1Partners Involved: RCMP; Peninsula <strong>Community</strong> Services; schools; bothmunicipalities; Chambers <strong>of</strong> Commerce; local newspapers.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:RCMP <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum training; additional ongoingdevelopment seminars and monthly meetings.valuation <strong>of</strong> successful completion <strong>of</strong> the agreement done at theend <strong>of</strong> the session, how the <strong>of</strong>fender’s behavior was affected, thevictim’s feedback. 95% <strong>of</strong> the forums are successful.Need more assistance from Provincial and Federal Governments.Start-up grant; great volunteers; meeting rooms provided by localhospitality business; administration resources from RCMP.We would be pleased to provide information to anyone who would be interested in theprogress we are making in setting up a Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> support group through theFamily Court and Youth <strong>Justice</strong> Committee. E-mail at the above address for moreinformation.


Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Oak BayContact <strong>Information</strong>Hilda Earl664 Kelly RoadVictoria, BCV9B 3A5Phone: (250) 391-0817Fax: (250) 391-1822E-mail: hildaearl@shaw.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>itTarget Group:Youth and adult <strong>of</strong>fendersGoals and Objectives: To promote principles <strong>of</strong> restorative justiceProgram Model:Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): PoliceReferral Types:Category 4 <strong>of</strong>fencesSupport/ Funding: <strong>Community</strong> support; start-up grant from <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staff (in development)Volunteers Involved: FacilitatorsYears in Operation: 1Partners Involved: <strong>Justice</strong> system, police, municipality, other restorative justicegroupsChallenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:Funding; school participationHuman support from City Council; mentors in other restorativejustice organizationsRestorative <strong>Justice</strong> Oak Bay began in May 2001. We are about to apply for Society status.Election <strong>of</strong> the first Board is scheduled for May 2002.


Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> SaanichContact <strong>Information</strong>Desmond M. Connor, Chair5096 Catalina Tce.Victoria, BCV8Y 2A5Phone: (250) 658-1323Fax: (250) 658-8110E-mail: connor@connor.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program: Non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizationTarget Group:Adult and youth <strong>of</strong> the municipality <strong>of</strong> SaanichGoals and Objectives: To educate the citizens <strong>of</strong> Saanich about restorative justicethrough the media, meetings, contact with schools, etc. (See noteat bottom <strong>of</strong> page)Program Model:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum/ Family Group ConferencingReferral Source(s): Ideally Saanich Police Dept.; expecting from Saanich Recreation,and perhaps some schools.Referral Types:Category 4 (theft, mischief, assault, fraud, etc.)Support/ Funding: In-kind from Saanich Recreation (meeting space); application inprocess for $5000 start-up grant from Attorney <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> PSSGStaffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: 30: 16 trained facilitators plus Executive.Years in Operation: Since May 2001Partners Involved: Saanich Recreation, Boys and Girls Club Services, SaanichRotary Club.Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Monthly meeting including videos and discussion; Facilitatortraining by RCMP or Etta ConnorEvidence <strong>of</strong> greater public awareness and knowledge; number <strong>of</strong>conferences and agreements completed; satisfaction <strong>of</strong>participants; range <strong>of</strong> issues addressed at conferences.Securing a working relationship with Saanich Police; maintaining astrong community-based program; countering tendencies forestablished, traditional justice-related organization to co-optrestorative justice into less fully restorative models; increasing thepublic’s awareness, knowledge, and appreciation; funding;developing and managing a non-directive regional resource;maintaining the initial and main focus <strong>of</strong> restorative justice, yetmoving unobtrusively into transformative justice.In January <strong>of</strong> 2002, the Saanich Police Board allocated a one-year contract to the JohnHoward Society. We are currently exploring ways to cooperate with the JHS to enableour 16 trained facilitators to provide conferences in their (4 different) neighborhoods.We expect to provide conferences to Saanich Recreation for incidents which occur withyouth in their four Recreation Centres.


Saanich <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>John Howard Society <strong>of</strong> VictoriaLisa Blais, Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Coordinator2675 Bridge StreetVictoria, BCV8T 4Y4Phone: (250) 386-3428Fax: (250) 361-4561E-mail: Lisa@johnhoward.victoria.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: Commencing April 2002Partners Involved: RCMPUmbrella <strong>of</strong> non-pr<strong>of</strong>itFirst time <strong>of</strong>fendersTo bring together the victim, the <strong>of</strong>fender and their respectivesupport groups with a trained and experienced John Howardfacilitator. To assist participants in gaining healing, closure andsatisfactory reparation.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Conferencing ModelSaanich Police DepartmentLow risk and minor first time <strong>of</strong>fencesIn progress - <strong>Community</strong> Partners are being canvassedCoordinator through John Howard6: 3 facilitators, 3 co-facilitatorsTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Ongoing Conflict Resolution and Conferencing ModelVictims, <strong>of</strong>fenders and community members will be asked tocomplete evaluations.Resources Available:Current programs administered by John Howard SocietySaanich <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Program is guided by a community advisory Working Group whichmeets bi-monthly with West Shore RCMP, John Howard Board Members, Program Coordinatorand a Volunteer Facilitator.


Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> CoalitionContact <strong>Information</strong>William Head InstitutionDavid Hough (outside contact person) or Kelly Toop (inside contact person)P.O. Box 4000 Station ‘A’Victoria, BCV8X 3Y8Phone: (250) 391-8872E-mail: N/AProgram <strong>Information</strong>Goals and Objectives: To strive towards nonviolent and pro-social attitudes that willultimately lead to a more peaceful society.Staffing Structure: No paid staffVolunteers Involved: Volunteers from outside the prison have all been involved withrestorative justice processes throughout the world. Some arecurrently involved in going to Uganda and other parts <strong>of</strong> Africa.Some are involved in Native healing circles. We have peopleinvolved with the RCMP and youth organizations.Years in Operation: 3The coalition is based inside William Head institution, which is a federal penitentiary. We are acoalition <strong>of</strong> many different and varied groups within the institution such as Alternatives toViolence Project, First Nations, Non Violent Communications and also we have many outsidemembers.We discuss a variety <strong>of</strong> topics that range from each person’s personal issues to conflicts aroundthe world. We sponsor workshops that open dialogue and exchange <strong>of</strong> ideas and ideals thatexplore possibilities outside, and within, the judiciary system. We invite guests to participatefrom colleges, the courts, police, prison staff and interested parties from the general public.


Spirit <strong>of</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>Victoria Native Friendship CentreShirley Lang, Coordinator610 Johnson StreetVictoria, BCV8W 1M4Phone: (250) 708-0377 or (250) 384-3211Fax: (250) 708-0311 or (250) 384-1586E-mail: spirit<strong>of</strong>justice@shaw.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Types:Aboriginal <strong>of</strong>fendersTo establish, formulate, initiate and promote mechanisms to fosterthe Aboriginal community involvement in the justice process,therefore, ensuring successful integration <strong>of</strong> Aboriginal personswho are in contact with the criminal justice system.Pre-sentence conferencing; pre-release conferences (assistancewith parole applications)Criminal Code <strong>of</strong>fences


West Shore <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> ProgramContact <strong>Information</strong>John Howard Society <strong>of</strong> VictoriaLisa Blais, Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Coordinator2675 Bridge StreetVictoria, BCV8T 4Y4Phone: (250) 386-3428Fax: (250) 361-4561E-mail: Lisa@johnhoward.victoria.bc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation:Partners Involved:Training:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Umbrella <strong>of</strong> non-pr<strong>of</strong>itFirst time <strong>of</strong>fendersTo bring together the victim, the <strong>of</strong>fender and their respectivesupport groups with a trained and experienced John Howardfacilitator. To assist participants in gaining healing, closure andsatisfactory reparation.<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Conferencing ModelWest Shore RCMPLow risk and minor first time <strong>of</strong>fencesIn progress - <strong>Community</strong> Partners are being canvassedCoordinator through John Howard6: 3 facilitators, 3 co-facilitators1 yearRCMPOngoing Conflict Resolution and Conferencing ModelVictims, <strong>of</strong>fenders and community members will be asked tocomplete evaluations.Resources Available:Current programs administered by John Howard SocietyWest Shore <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Program is guided by a community advisory Working Groupwhich meets bi-monthly with Saanich Police Department, John Howard Board Members,Program Coordinator and a Volunteer Facilitator.


Williams Lake <strong>Community</strong> Council for Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>Contact <strong>Information</strong>Sandra Hawkins, ChairpersonRR #3 Bass Box #10Williams Lake, BCV2G 1M3Cst. Michele JohansonWilliams Lake RCMP Detachment575 Borland StreetWilliams Lake, BCV2G 1R9Phone: (250) 392-2346 Phone: (250) 392-6211E-mail: sandra_hawkins@sd27.bc.ca Fax: (250) 392-8707E-mail: michele.johanson@rcmp-grc.gc.caProgram <strong>Information</strong>Structure <strong>of</strong> program:Target Group:Goals and Objectives:Program Model:Referral Source(s):Referral Types:Support/ Funding:Staffing Structure:Volunteers Involved:Years in Operation: 5Partners Involved: RCMPNon-pr<strong>of</strong>itYouth and Adult <strong>of</strong>fendersTo repair the damage and minimize further harm caused by the<strong>of</strong>fending behavior and to maximize the social justice achieved forvictims, <strong>of</strong>fenders, and other members <strong>of</strong> the community affectedby the <strong>of</strong>fending behavior.Family Group ConferencingRCMPWhere an <strong>of</strong>fender admits responsibility and has willingness torepair harm.Williams Lake <strong>Community</strong> Policing<strong>Community</strong> Police Officer oversees group12: facilitators, record keeperTraining:Indicators <strong>of</strong> Success:Challenges/ Obstacles:Resources Available:<strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Forum facilitator trainingNumber <strong>of</strong> referrals; positive participant feedback; low recidivismrate; presentations to community groups are well received; SchoolDistrict has shown an interest in having conferencing in schools;First Nations band has asked for assistance in setting upconferencing.We are always in search <strong>of</strong> just sanctions that are acceptable tothe person affected by the <strong>of</strong>fending behavior and/ or thecommunity at large, which, at the same time, give the <strong>of</strong>fender anopportunity to feel he or she is doing something to make up for thewrongful behavior; no funding sources readily available.Brochure for educating the community; detailed booklet forcommittee members.


Appendix H – Training ResourcesAppendices 62


TRAINING RESOURCESBooksBraithwaite, J. (1998). Crime, Shame and Reintegration. New York, NY: CambridgeUniversity Press.Ross, Rupert. (1996). Returning to the Teachings: Exploring Aboriginal <strong>Justice</strong>.Canada: Penguin Books.Sharpe, Susan. (1998). Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: A Vision for Healing and Change.Edmonton, Alberta: Mediation and Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Centre.VanNess, Dan and Karen Heetderks Strong. (2001). Restoring <strong>Justice</strong>. AndersonPress, USA (2nd Ed.)Umbreit, M.S. (1994). Victim meets <strong>of</strong>fender: The impact <strong>of</strong> restorative justice andmediation. Monsey, NY: Willow Tree Press.Youth <strong>Justice</strong> Renewal: An Introduction to the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act. <strong>Justice</strong>Institute <strong>of</strong> BC - Corrections & <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Division. December 2001.Zehr, Howard. (1990-95). Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and <strong>Justice</strong>.Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press.Zehr, Howard. (2002). The Little Book <strong>of</strong> Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>. Intercourse,Pennsylvania: Good Books Inc.ReportsBonta, James; Ronney, Jennifer and Suzanne Wallace-Capretta. (October 1998).Restorative <strong>Justice</strong>: An Evaluation <strong>of</strong> the Restorative Resolutions Project. Department<strong>of</strong> the Solicitor General, Canada.Cpl. Len Busch; Cpl. Larry Lavallee; and Karen Marshall. (1998). <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>Forum: A Canadian Resource Guide. RCMP Report, Minister, Public Works andGovernment Services, Canada.Keeping an Open Mind: A Look at Gender Inclusive Analysis, Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> andAlternative Dispute Resolution (1999). By Provincial Association Against FamilyViolence. Newfoundland, Canada.Latimer, Jeff and Steven Kleinknecht. (January, 2000). The Effects <strong>of</strong> Restorative<strong>Justice</strong> Programming: A Review <strong>of</strong> the Empirical Research. Research & StatisticsDivision, Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>, Canada.


Latimer, Jeff; Dowden, Craig and Danielle Muise. (2001). The Effects <strong>of</strong> Restorative<strong>Justice</strong> Practices: A Meta-Analysis. Research & Statistics Division, Department <strong>of</strong><strong>Justice</strong>, Canada.Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> <strong>Programs</strong>: British Columbia Provincial Directory. (September 2002).Prepared by Chilliwack Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> & Youth Diversion Association.Shaw, Margaret; Jane, Frederick. (August 1998). Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> and Policing inCanada: Bringing the <strong>Community</strong> into Focus. RCMP Report, Canada.YCJA British Columbia - Pocket Guide. (2003). Adapted from Moving Forward: PocketGuide to the Youth Criminal <strong>Justice</strong> Act Canada developed by the Department <strong>of</strong><strong>Justice</strong>, Province <strong>of</strong> Nova Scotia, copyright holder.Web sitesArrowsmith <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Society, Parksville, BC: www.acjs.caChilliwack Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> and Youth Diversion Association: Chilliwack, BC:www.gov.chilliwack.bc.ca/main/page.cfm?id=178Department <strong>of</strong> Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada: www.psepcsppcc.gc.caKaslo Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> Program - Kaslo, BC:www.kin.bc.ca/Restore_Just/RJHome.htmlMennonite Central Committee - BC: www.mennonitecc.ca/bc/restore_justice/<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Public Safety & Solicitor General, <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Programs</strong> Division - BC:www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/community_programs/justice/index.htm.Native Law Centre <strong>of</strong> Canada: www.usask.ca/nativelaw/publications/jah/Simon Fraser University, Centre for Restorative <strong>Justice</strong> - Burnaby, BC: www.sfu.ca/cfrj/MultimediaA Healing River: An invitation to explore restorative justice. (2004) Produced byHeartspeak Productions. Email: heartspeakone@yahoo.ca


Appendix I – Sample Oath <strong>of</strong> ConfidentialityAppendices 63


Sample Form[INSERT PROGRAM NAME]OATH OF CONFIDENTIALITYI, ______________________________________, do swear that I will not disclose ormake known any matter or thing regarding the clients, business <strong>of</strong> the program, or itsvolunteers that comes to my knowledge by reason <strong>of</strong> my role as a volunteer with theprogram.I understand that maintaining confidentiality is critical to the credibility <strong>of</strong> the programand that a breach <strong>of</strong> confidentiality will result in dismissal from the program.I further acknowledge that I have read and will comply with the specific guidelines <strong>of</strong> thepolicy on confidentiality and understand both my responsibilities to maintainconfidentiality and the limits <strong>of</strong> confidentiality therein.Signed this _______ day <strong>of</strong> _________________, 20__ at ____________________British Columbia.______________________Signature______________________Print Name______________________Witness______________________Print Name


Appendix J – Sample <strong>Community</strong><strong>Accountability</strong> Program AgreementAppendices 64


Sample FormCOMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM AGREEMENTI, _______________________, freely and voluntarily agree to participate in the_______________________________ program on the ____ day <strong>of</strong> _______________,20___.I acknowledge responsibility for the <strong>of</strong>fence <strong>of</strong> __________________________________________________________ occurring on the ____ day <strong>of</strong> _______________, 20___.I was apprised <strong>of</strong> my right to legal counsel and was given reasonable opportunity to contactlegal counsel prior to participating in the program.I freely and voluntarily agree to the following terms and conditions resulting from myparticipation in the __________ program:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I understand that if I do not complete the terms <strong>of</strong> this agreement, this information will beforwarded to the referring police <strong>of</strong>ficer and may be recorded on my police file.Dated this ____ day <strong>of</strong> _______________, 20___ at ____________________ BritishColumbia.Offender signature: ___________________________Parent/guardian signature (if applicable): __________________________________Victim/complainant signature: ___________________________________________Program representative signature: _______________________________________Investigating <strong>of</strong>ficer signature: __________________________________________


Appendix K – Sample Critical IncidentReport FormAppendices 65


Sample FormCOMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAMCRITICAL INCIDENT REPORTName <strong>of</strong> person reporting: ________________________________________________Date <strong>of</strong> incident: ____________________Date <strong>of</strong> report: ____________________Nature <strong>of</strong> incident: _______________________________________________________Details <strong>of</strong> incident:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Actions taken:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Signature: ___________________________


Appendix L – Program Plan TemplateAppendices 66


1PROGRAM PLAN TEMPLATEYour program plan should include the following information:1. Program name2. Name <strong>of</strong> sponsoring organization (if different from program name)3. City/community4. Program contact person• Telephone numbers (day and evening)• Fax number• Mailing address• E-mail address5. Alternate contact person• Telephone numbers (day and evening)• Fax number• Mailing address• E-mail address6. Website address7. Purpose <strong>of</strong> your program• Describe the community’s need for a <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Accountability</strong> Program.• Provide a description <strong>of</strong> the program and any mission statement <strong>of</strong> the program.Include the restorative justice model you may base your program on.8. Objectives <strong>of</strong> your program• List the main objectives <strong>of</strong> your program.9. Steering Committee members• Provide a brief background on each member <strong>of</strong> the committee.• Describe the structure and functions <strong>of</strong> your committee.10. Training• Describe what training you have provided or will be providing for your volunteers11. Policies and procedures• Include all relevant policies and procedures developed for your program includingpolicies related to confidentiality, volunteer recruitment and selection criteria, casereferral policy, and any other policies and procedures you have developed.12. Monitoring and evaluation• Outline your strategy for monitoring and evaluating your program’s outcomes andresults.


Appendix M – Quarterly Data CollectionFormAppendices 67


QUARTERLY DATA COLLECTION FORMName <strong>of</strong> program: _____________________________________________________________Mailing address: ______________________________________________________________Telephone numbers: ( )_________________ Fax Number ( ) ____________________Email: ______________________________________________________________________Contact name:________________________________________________________________Quarter: January-March April-June July-September October-DecemberYear: __________STATUS OF PROGRAM:Under development but hasn’t been implemented yetProgram plan complete Yes NoOperational(start date)_____________Other (specify)_______________________TYPE OF PROGRAM:CLIENTELE:Family Group Conferencing Youth Adults BothVictim Offender Reconciliation ProgramAGE RANGES:Neighborhood <strong>Accountability</strong> PanelCircle RemedyOther (specify) ____________________________Undetermined at this timeIF PROGRAM IS OPERATIONAL:List all referring agents:PoliceCrown counselJudiciarySchoolProbation OfficerCorrections contractorParentsOther (please specify) _____________Number <strong>of</strong> volunteers _______Number <strong>of</strong> volunteers trained _______Type <strong>of</strong> training provided (please describe)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Number <strong>of</strong> volunteers with criminal record checks_______Insurance coverageYes (please specify type) _________________________________NoPage 1 <strong>of</strong> 5


CAP Summary Statistics:Total number <strong>of</strong> youth referralsTotal number <strong>of</strong> adult referralsNumber <strong>of</strong> youth referrals acceptedNumber <strong>of</strong> adult referrals acceptedTotal number <strong>of</strong> youth cases completedTotal number <strong>of</strong> adult cases completedTotal number <strong>of</strong> repeat referralsOf the cases completed:Total number with complete complianceTotal number with partial complianceTotal number with non-compliance______________________________________________________________________REASONS FOR NON-ACCEPTANCE:NumberInappropriate case type _______Offender prefers court _______Offender non-compliant _______Victim’s wishes_______Parent’s wishes_______Other: _______________ _______CASE TYPES SUMMARY:CASE TYPENUMBERPRIMARY REASONS FOR NON-COMPLIANCE BY CASE:YOUTH:ADULT:PROGRAM FUNDINGFUNDING ALLOCATION SUMMARY:Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 5


COMMENTS:_______________________________Signature <strong>of</strong> person completing report_______________________________Name <strong>of</strong> person completing report_______________________________DatePage 3 <strong>of</strong> 5


Instructions for Completing the First Quarterly ReportThank you for your assistance. The information gathered in the quarterly reports will be used tomonitor and evaluate the CAP initiative on a provincial level. Privacy will be ensured, as onlyaggregate information will be used in <strong>Ministry</strong> reports.Please complete all sections relevant to your program.Please use the ‘comments box’ or attach separate sheets <strong>of</strong> paper if more space is needed.Please call the <strong>Community</strong> Coordinator (Cynthia Bishop) at 604 660-3697 if you have anyquestions or concerns about this document.1. Status <strong>of</strong> Program:• please tick all relevant boxes (e.g., a program may still be under development but theprogram plan may be complete)• if the program is operational please indicate the start date (day/month/year)• if the “other” category is selected please provide the necessary detail2. Type <strong>of</strong> Program:• select only one type <strong>of</strong> program• if your CAP model is a combination program (e.g., it combines elements <strong>of</strong> two or moremodels), please use the “other” category and specify in the space provided3. Clientele:• tick one box only (i.e., adult, youth or both)• in the age range box, provide the age ranges for youth and adults that will be accepted toyour program (e.g., Youth: 12 - 18 yrs. ; Adults: 19 - 25 yrs.)4. If Program is Operational:• tick boxes for all agencies making direct referrals to your program• note the total number <strong>of</strong> volunteers working for your program (do not include steeringcommittee members)• note the number <strong>of</strong> volunteers that have had some form <strong>of</strong> training• describe the training your volunteers have received• note the number <strong>of</strong> volunteers that have had criminal records checks• please indicate if your program has insurance and how coverage is provided (e.g., anumbrella organization, the municipality, etc.)5. Summary Statistics:• please provide summary statistics using the following definitions:∗ the total number <strong>of</strong> referrals to your program from all referral sources∗ the total number <strong>of</strong> referrals accepted into your program (after a screening interview withthe potential participants or a similar process is complete)∗ the total number <strong>of</strong> cases that have been through your program previously (i.e., secondtime or repeat referrals)Page 4 <strong>of</strong> 5


∗∗∗note the total number <strong>of</strong> cases not accepted as referrals using the reason codesprovided (e.g., victims wishes = 3). Only the primary reason (one for each case) shouldbe used. The definitions for the reason codes are as follows:⇒ inappropriate referrals are those that fall outside the mandate <strong>of</strong> your program(e.g., domestic violence, sexual assaults).⇒ the wishes <strong>of</strong> parents (or guardians) <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fenders, victims, or <strong>of</strong>fenders refers toinstances where a party does not want to participate in the program.⇒ <strong>of</strong>fender non-compliant refers to an uncooperative <strong>of</strong>fender (e.g., lacking remorse,not accepting responsibility).note the total number <strong>of</strong> cases that have completed the program to date<strong>of</strong> the cases that have completed the program provide:◊ the total number <strong>of</strong> cases that fully complied with all aspects <strong>of</strong> the agreement◊ the total number <strong>of</strong> cases that partially complied with the terms <strong>of</strong> the agreement◊ the total number <strong>of</strong> cases that did not comply with any aspect <strong>of</strong> the agreement• for each case with non- compliance, please provide the primary reason for non-compliance(examples might include, Case 1 = counselling not available; Case 2 = youth’s familyrelocated; Case 3 = <strong>of</strong>fender arrested/charged with new <strong>of</strong>fence, etc.)6. Primary Case Types:• in the box provided, note the number <strong>of</strong> cases by type <strong>of</strong> case accepted to your program(e.g., theft under $5,000 = 5 cases; possession <strong>of</strong> stolen property under $5,000 = 10 cases)7. Funding Allocation Summary:• list all sources <strong>of</strong> funding received by your program in the first quarter• provide a financial breakdown <strong>of</strong> how funding has been used to date• include significant in-kind funding or resources (e.g., computer or fax machine)8. Comments:• please use this page to provide us with any details that you feel are necessary, or to providefeedback on experiences to date, identify problems, ask questions, or, share informationthat may be useful to other communities implementing programs. Please add additionalsheets if you would like to do so.Page 5 <strong>of</strong> 5

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!