Restorative Justice is moving to a new level in the North Okanagan. The program -- which began in 2006 -- is now a registered society which president Warren Smith says will allow the board to seek other funding sources beyond the city and province. "Our mission is to connect individuals, strengthen relationships, and build safe and healthy communities by repairing the harm, with the persons affected and the person who caused the harm." The program is an alternative to the usual court system, with participants referred by the RCMP and school district for less serious charges of assault, minor theft and mischief. Executive director Margaret Clark says over 500 victims have gone through the program, along with 200 offenders, and about 30 percent have re-offended within a three year period. "The average referral from the time I receive it, until it goes to conference is about six weeks, and because there's one paid person and a core group of volunteers, it's very cost effective." Clark all of the participants have to agree through the program, and the person who caused the harm has to admit they did this and be prepared to face the people that they have harmed. The program started with youth referrals in 2006 and added adults in 2009.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Restorative Justice Becomes Society
Restorative Justice is moving to a new level in the North Okanagan. The program -- which began in 2006 -- is now a registered society which president Warren Smith says will allow the board to seek other funding sources beyond the city and province. "Our mission is to connect individuals, strengthen relationships, and build safe and healthy communities by repairing the harm, with the persons affected and the person who caused the harm." The program is an alternative to the usual court system, with participants referred by the RCMP and school district for less serious charges of assault, minor theft and mischief. Executive director Margaret Clark says over 500 victims have gone through the program, along with 200 offenders, and about 30 percent have re-offended within a three year period. "The average referral from the time I receive it, until it goes to conference is about six weeks, and because there's one paid person and a core group of volunteers, it's very cost effective." Clark all of the participants have to agree through the program, and the person who caused the harm has to admit they did this and be prepared to face the people that they have harmed. The program started with youth referrals in 2006 and added adults in 2009.
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