What Does Restorative Justice Mean To You?

As a victim of crime committed by a young person, you may be contacted by Island Community Justice Society to invite you to participate in a process which will allow you to encounter the youth with the support of your community to deal with the harm which resulted from the criminal incident.

Restorative Justice offers an opportunity to:

• Be heard
• Have your fears and concerns addressed
• Confront/challenge the youth in a supportive environment
• Play a major role in determining the way the youth is held accountable for his/her actions
• Have your questions answered
• Obtain closure

Available Services

Victim Support Services

Our Caseworkers are skilled in addressing the needs of victims who have been referred to our Agency as a result of youth criminal activity. Whether it is information given prior to a restorative justice process, travel and/or child care arrangements on the day of the service, and/or follow-up support post service, the Agency has made victim support a priority. In the event that a victim chooses not to personally attend a restorative justice process, the Caseworker will work closely with the victim to explore other options which include no further involvement and or having someone present the victim's issues on their behalf.

Volunteer Support Services

Recognizing that victims have a right and a need to know what is developing in their case, either a volunteer who was trained to provide professional and sensitive assistance or the Caseworker, will provide ongoing updates and supply information in response to any questions the victim may have.

Restorative Justice Services

Please refer to Services Overview and How It Works sections for more detail.

• Family Group Conference
• Victim Offender Meeting
• Accountability Meeting
• Sentencing Circle

Service Delivery Standards

Island Community Justice Society's accountability to victims requires the following standards:

• All case management processes will be designed to be inclusive of victims at every step in the flow of a case through the agency service.
• Support for victims participating in ICJS' Family Group Conferences will be an agency priority.
• The victim's point of view will be given a voice, either through direct or indirect participation.
• Services will be developed which will provide victims with information, access to community resources and ongoing support from the agency.
• Victims' guidance and assistance will be sought through evaluation and planning processes.