Funded by: Nanaimo Regional District, City of Nanaimo, District of North Cowichan, City of Duncan and Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General – Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division.
Program History
In July 1997, the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society and the Nanaimo Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) entered into a partnership to develop a program of Restorative Justice unique to the Nanaimo area. The Nanaimo Restorative Justice Program evolved creating a process of informal police based diversion and commenced receiving referrals June 1, 1998. The program expanded to the North Cowichan/Duncan community April 1, 2003 after a partnership agreement with the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society and North Cowichan/Duncan R.C.M.P. and has since partnered with the Gabriola Island R.C.M.P. School District 68 and Crown Counsel.
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has partnered with the Restorative Justice Program and directly refers appropriate files to proceed using the Restorative/Community Justice Forum model.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Restorative Justice Program is aimed at repairing harm caused by a criminal act.
Admission Criteria
Youth and/or Adults who have accepted responsibility for a criminal act
Victims agree to the process
The referral source/program criteria are met
Referrals Accepted From
RCMP
Crown Counsel
ICBC
School District 68
Program Outline
The Restorative Justice Program follows the Community Justice Forums model. The forums include victims and others affected by an incident, offenders and their support, the Investigating Officer (when appropriate) and a facilitator. The Forum is a powerful learning experience for all participants. It allows the offender to face the consequences of their behaviour, the victims and their support have the opportunity to tell how they have been harmed, have a say in how the harm should be repaired and receive support offering healing and closure.
Resolution Agreements are tailored to the individual needs of the victim and the accused with the intent of it being a learning experience. These agreements can include financial restitution, apologies, community service, essay, counselling, financial donation, resume’ preparation, job search or direct service to the victim.