Restorative Justice
What is Restorative Justice?Restorative justice is a process that addresses the impacts of a harmful action. It provides opportunities for the persons who caused harm (often called offenders) to be accountable for their actions in a way that is meaningful for the persons harmed (often called victims) and the community.
Instead of asking:
- What law was broken?
- Who broke it?
- How should we punish the lawbreaker?
Restorative justice asks:
- Who has been hurt?
- What are their needs?
- Who is responsible for “making things right”?
Restorative Justice at CMS-D
CMS-D offers an opportunity for people who have been impacted by crime (as offenders or victims) to meet together in the presence of trained mediators. These meetings, called Victim Offender Dialogues, provide a forum for participants to discuss the crime and its impacts, and to create an agreement that addresses the harm caused. Common charges referred from the courts and probation officers include assault, mischief, theft, and threatening. Victim Offender Dialogues are offered to individuals at all stages of the criminal justice system.
Restorative Justice Programs
Youth Justice Committee, 2201 Finch Ave W courthouse
- for young people ages 12-17 referred to the program by Crown Attorneys or police
- contact Angela Klassen at 416 740 2522 x 44 or aklassen@cmsd.org
Restorative Justice Youth Program
- for young people ages 12-17 on probation who are referred by their probation officers
- contact Cheryl Rodgers at 416 740 2522 x 39 or crodgers@cmsd.org
Private Information Court, 1000 Finch Ave W courthouse
This program has been suspended due to lack of funding