Moose Jaw’s Partners against Violence Committee brings together a number of local service agencies, as well as local RCMP and Moose Jaw Police to work towards building a safer community for all.
Restorative Justice is an alternative response to crime that focuses on bringing together all individuals who have been affected by a criminal incident. The focus is on addressing the needs of the people involved, underlying issues and the circumstances that led to the crime. Restorative Justice Values include that crime causes harm, justice should focus on repairing that harm and that the people who are most affected by the crime should take part in its resolution. The purposes of Restorative Justice are victim participation, offender accountability, meaningful outcomes, reparation and reduction of recidivism.Traditional Criminal Justice Asks:
- What offence has been committed?
- Who is the offender?
- What should the punishment be?
Restorative Justice Asks:
- Who has been affected/harmed?
- What are the underlying issues and what are the needs of everyone affected?
- Who is responsible for repairing the harm and how can it be repaired?
The Adult Alternative Measures Program for adults who have been charged with a criminal offence and involves Victim/Offender mediation.
- The Extrajudicial Sanctions Program are measures outside of the criminal justice system for young people who have been charged with a criminal offence, from ages 12-17 and involves Victim/Offender mediation.
- The Stop Lift Program is an educational program for youth and adults who have been charged with theft, primarily from retail outlets and businesses. The program focuses on education and reducing recidivism.
- The Fine Option Program helps people settle court imposed fines through supervised community service work.
- The Community Service Order Program requires individuals to complete court ordered community service hours.
- The Crime Prevention Program is offered to elementary schools for children attending grade four to grade eight. The program aims to reduce the likelihood of children becoming involved in criminal activity through education and prevention.
- The Reintegration and Relapse Prevention program is provided for adults completing sentences and reintegrating back in to the community. The program offers support and programming to prevent recidivism.
Submitted by: Lindsay Wilcox, BHJ
John Howard Society of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch
Member of the Partners Against Violence Committee
