From Values to Practice: Restorative Justice Models

In practice, restorative justice has evolved in many different directions, from grass-roots community based organizations which operate independently of the justice system, to fully institutionalized programs. The following glossary provides an introductory glance into the main types of models in use in Canada, along with links to programs currently operating. It is helpful to contextualize the following models in consideration of the underlying values and principles of restorative justice articulated in the first section.


Community Accountability Panels are meant to hold the offender accountable for the crime by imposing mutually agreed upon consequences to address harm or damage caused. Community Accountability Panels usually deal with minor offences. Cases can be referred from the criminal justice system or are informally referred by community members. The key participants in this model are the community panel members, the offender, and sometimes the victim, where appropriate.

Examples of Community Accountability Panels:

Arrowsmith Community Justice Society
http://www.acjs.ca/ACJS.htm

Restorative Justice Oak Bay
http://www.rjob.ca/index.asp


Family Group Conferencing/Conferencing brings together those involved in and affected by the offence to allow the offender to take responsibility, the victim to voice the impact of the offence, and the support and community members to assist in the resolution of the crime. Conferences have been used to deal with minor to moderately serious offences, e.g. theft and assault. The facilitator acts as a guide for the dialogue between the victim and the offender to take place. It is not uncommon for a representative of the criminal justice system to be present, e.g. police officer, lawyer, or parole officer.

Example of Family Group Conferencing Programs:

Calgary Community Conferencing Project
http://www.calgarycommunityconferencing.com/


Victim-Offender Mediation provides a forum for victims and offenders to meet in a safe and respectful environment with the assistance of a facilitator. The purpose of the meeting is to explore and discuss the effects of a crime, and the ways in which healing can take place. Victim-Offender mediation is often used for more serious crimes, e.g. assault and murder. A meeting can occur between the victim and offender pre-sentence, post-sentence, or independent of a formal response by the criminal justice system.

Example of Victim-Offender Mediation Programs:

Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association
http://www.cjibc.org/


Sentencing Circles are community meetings designed to address both family and community circumstances that are underlying causes of crime. They are meant to rebuild relationships, develop rehabilitative plans, and respond to victims’ needs. Circles are used for minor to serious offences depending on the community. They involve the offender(s), victim(s), the friends and families of each, community members and spiritual advisors.

Example of Sentencing Circles Programs

Haines Junction Community Justice
http://www.comjustice.yk.net/