Restorative Justice is an alternative response to crime that focuses on bringing together all individuals who have been affected by a criminal incident. The focus is on addressing the needs of the people involved, underlying issues and the circumstances that led to the crime. Restorative Justice Values include that crime causes harm, justice should focus on repairing that harm and that the people who are most affected by the crime should take part in its resolution. The purposes of Restorative Justice are victim participation, offender accountability, meaningful outcomes, reparation and reduction of recidivism.
The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan is a community-based justice organization consisting of people who subscribe to effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime. The Moose Jaw Branch offers the following programs:
• The Adult Alternative Measures Program for adults who have been charged with a criminal offence and involves Victim/Offender mediation.
• The Extrajudicial Sanctions Program are measures outside of the criminal justice system for young people who have been charged with a criminal offence, from ages 12-17 and involves Victim/Offender mediation.
• The Stop Lift Program is an educational program for youth and adults who have been charged with theft, primarily from retail outlets and businesses. The program focuses on education and reducing recidivism.
• The Fine Option Program helps people settle court-imposed fines through supervised community service work.
• The Community Service Order Program requires individuals to complete court ordered community service hours.
• The My Place Program supports people who are facing homelessness by providing support services, opportunity for community engagement and advocacy by reducing barriers to housing.
• The Cornerstone program focuses on reintegration and relapse prevention and is provided to assist adults readapt back into the community and offer support for healthy lifestyles.
Submitted by: Lindsay Wilcox, BHJ
John Howard Society of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch
Member of the Partners Against Violence Committee
