Adult Restorative Resolutions

Restorative Resolutions is a Restorative Justice Program that provides an alternative to court for RCMP referred adults (18 + years) who, for the first time, are involved in a minor ‘chargeable’ conflict. A formal meeting (Forum) is set up with all parties affected by the crime, the incident is discussed and a written agreement is created, which indicates how harm caused will be repaired and how relationships can be restored within our community. The process facilitates justice that heals, to the greatest degree possible, people and relationships, and to fulfill the obligations that exist. Upon successful completion of the Resolution Agreement, the person who caused harm will not have a criminal record. Unsuccessful/Incomplete Agreements are returned to the RCMP for appropriate action. The Restorative Justice Program is a one-time opportunity for Adults.

NOTE:
Participation in Restorative Resolutions Forums is completely voluntary. Participants always have the right to seek legal counsel rather than proceed with Restorative Justice.

Restorative Justice is a philosophy, a way of life based upon living in right relationship with once another within a community. The philosophy of Restorative Justice views criminal behaviour as a violation of people and relationships, yet views the resulting conflict as an opportunity for positive transformation for all. Healing occurs through participation by the victim, the offender, and their communities.

Restorative Resolutions upholds principles of a deliberative democratic process ensuring:
Participation – all who attend are given an opportunity to speak
Equality – all opinions are considered
Deliberation – all ideas are considered
Non-tyranny – no one dominates
 

Program Benefits
 

        For the Victim:

• An active voice in deciding fair consequences for the crime committed, and how the offender can repair the harm that occurred

• Validation of how he/she was affected by the crime

• An opportunity to ask questions and to receive answers

• A decrease in the severity and length of PTSD has been reported by victims who participated in a Restorative Justice process

• A decreased fear of being re-victimized by crime, as a result of developing a greater understanding of the causes criminal behaviour

• A sense of forgiveness, healing and closure often comes more quickly for those who participate in RJ programs

• A personal apology is given to the victim

        For the Person Who Caused Harm (offender):

• An opportunity to take full responsibility for his/her actions and to make amends to those who were harmed

• A lower likelihood of recidivism

• The chance to be restored within the community

• Assistance connecting with community resources for those with complex health/social needs

• An active voice in deciding how to repair the harm that was caused

• No criminal record for those who complete in full their Resolution Agreement

• As an offender begins to understand the consequences of their actions and how they have affected other people, and honest apology can be given to the victim. When victims receive an honest apology they can begin the process of forgiveness.

• An apology by the offender and forgiveness by the victim(s) starts the healing and reintegration process.

• The offender is humanized and labels (e.g. a monster) are cast off

      For the community:

• A greater understanding of the issues surrounding criminal behaviour

• An active voice in deciding the consequences for crimes

• A greater sense of ownership for one’s community

• An opportunity to invest in the health and safety of the community

• Reduced rates of recidivism

• Cost effectiveness and timely manner for dealing with minor crimes

• Volunteers who are equipped with transferable skills in conflict resolution, mediation, group facilitation, and communication

• All participants can grow in problem solving skills and sharing responsibility for the welfare of the greater community

Recent Statistics (July 2007)
 

The current completion rate of Resolution Agreements is 18/19 = 95%
The current in-complete rate of Resolution Agreements is 1/19 = 5%
We have 15 clients working on Resolution Agreements at this time.

Contact Information
 

	For more information, please contact:
	John Manolakos, Program Coordinator
		250.763.1331 or		Send an e-mail

Restorative Resolutions FAQ’s

What are the Referral Guidelines?
Chargeable incident * the offender is 18+ yrs of age * no significant related criminal history * offender admits responsibility, is cooperative and is willing to participate in program * clear victim identified & willing to participate in RJ program

What types of charges may be referred?
Level 3 & 4 incidents: assault (except relationship); cause disturbance; theft, forgery, fraud, false pretence, uttering (all under $5000); unlawful use of a credit card under $5000; Taking auto without owner’s consent; unauthorized use of computer; indecent act except directed toward children; communication for the purpose of prostitution; possession of small quantity of drugs; shoplifting under $5000; other summary conviction only offences

What are possible consequences for crimes committed?
Agreements are unique and depend on the person and circumstances of the crime committed. Some examples of consequences are apology letters, community service hours, personal counselling, D&A counselling/treatment, research, writing, art projects, etc.

What happens if the Resolution Agreement is NOT completed?
If an agreement is not completed, the referral is returned to the RCMP for appropriate action. Our current completion rate is 95%.

This program is made possible by funding from:

• Central Okanagan Regional District
• Province of British Columbia
• United Way

Back to Programs