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SD69 Restorative Justice 
 

 What is Restorative Justice?

When one person has harmed another, there are alternative ways of addressing the issue.  In some cases, Restorative Justice is an appropriate process for righting wrongs in a respectful and productive manner.  Restorative Justice is a process that brings together the people who were affected by the action in a face-to-face meeting to address the harm that was done and to work out a mutually agreeable resolution.
 

 What is a Restorative Justice Conference?

A restorative justice conference is a formal meeting involving the victim and offender with their families or supporters, as well as other school community members.  At this meeting there is a safe environment for all victims and offenders to tell their stories and express how they have been affected by the offence.  The goal of the conference is to create a resolution agreement, which will repair the harm and damage created by the offending behaviour, and to provide reconciliation.
 
The Restorative Justice Conference is:
  • A confidential process
  • A voluntary process
  • Organized and led by a trained conference facilitator

The conference, its outcome and the resolution agreement belong to the participants.  After the conference, a written copy of the agreement is provided to the participants.

How does one qualify for such a conference?

The Restorative Justice Process is used in particular situations where it meets the needs of  both victim and offender:
  • The school administrator and facilitator must believe the community conferencing meeting would be an effective intervention for all concerned parties.
  • The offender must acknowledge the essential facts of the misbehavour and must be willing to accept responsibility for the harm.
  • The offender must be willing to participate in a community conference.
  • A victim or representative must be willing to participate in a community conference.
  

Confidentiality

The conference is a confidential process between the facilitator and the participants.  Statistics of conferences and their outcomes are tracked and recorded by the School District, the Coordinator, and in some specific situations, the RCMP for the ongoing evaluation of the program.
 

What are the benefits of this model of resolution?

This conferencing model encourages students to be directly involved in decisions that affect their lives within the school community.  Victims have a sense of empowerment and offenders gain an true understanding of the results of their behaviour.  All involved parties gain from this proactive method of addressing conflicts in a respectful and effective manner.  

 

The Victim Benefits:
  • Restorative Juistice provides the victim with a safe place to tell the offender how the incident has affected him or her.
  • They have an opportunity to understand the offender's behaviour.
  • They have an opportunity to participate in the resolution of the offence.
  • They have an increased possibiltiy of receiving restitution.
  • They have an opportunity to experience a sense of closure regarding the offence.
  • Further support to the victim is available.
 
The Offender Benefits:
  • Restorative Justice provides the offender with an opportunity to become aware of the harm suffered by the victim.
  • They have an opportunity to participate in the resolution of the offence. 
  • They have an opportunity to acknowledge responsibility for the harm caused and to take action to resolve and repair it.
  • The process provides an opportunity for effective reintegration into the school commuity.
  • Further support for the offender is available.
 
The School Community Benefits:
    • Restorative Justice is a respectful way of resolving conflicts.
    • The process encourages responsible and accountable relationships
    • It provides an opportunity to to repair the harm that was done to the school community.
    • The process encourages a healthier and safer school community.

 

Who is involved in this program?

  • School District 69 Board of Education
  • School District 69 Parent Advisory Council
  • Qualicum District Principals and Vice Principals Association
  • Canadian Union of Public Employees  - Local 3570
  • Arrowsmith Community Justice Society
  • Mount Arrowsmith Teachers Association
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Parksville Detachment

    • Our Vision is a School Community in Harmony

     
    For more information about Restorative Justice, visit the following websites:
    © 2008 Qualicum School District No. 69 | 100 East Jensen Avenue, PO Box 430, Parksville, BC V9P 2G5 | 250-248-4241
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