What is
RestorativE Justice
A PARADIGM SHIFT IN UNDERSTANDING AND ACHIEVING JUSTICE
It’s guided by values, principles and Indigenous teachings.
Various restorative processes have been developed such as peacemaking circles, conferencing, victim offender mediation, and tribunals.
Restorative practices are successfully used with youth and adults, and for all kinds of situations, from minor acts to serious violence. It is being implemented in schools, communities, workplaces and justice systems.
Meeting Needs
We aim to meet the needs of those who were harmed, those who harm, families and to build communities, in a way that upholds the dignity and human rights of all.
Overall, evidence shows that victims are more satisfied, re-offending is reduced, agreements such as restitution are more likely fulfilled and it is more cost effective.
There is a growing global movement toward restorative justice. The United Nations endorses and promotes it.
“Realizing the Potential of Restorative Justice” by Dr. Evelyn Zellerer published in “Reconstructing Restorative Justice Philosophy”, editors Theo Gavrielides and Vasso Artinopoulou, Ashgate Publishing.
Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice offers resources, including webinars, courses, articles, publications.
The Centre for Justice & Reconciliation offers an extensive library.
We also recommend books from Living Justice Press, a nonprofit publisher.
The United Nations endorses and supports the implementation of restorative justice. For example, UN Handbook on Restorative Justice Programmes (2nd Ed).
The European Forum for Restorative Justice promotes research, policy and practice development, offering many resources and events.
The International Journal of Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice for All (RJ4All), a UK-based international institute has many initiatives, projects and resources.
Dr. Evelyn Zellerer is proud to serve on the Board of Directions, Restorative Justice Association of British Columbia, which “envisions a province where restorative justice is known for quality, accessibility and innovation.”
Indigenous Justice Association is “promoting the critical work of long-established, community based, indigenous justice programs throughout BC.”
A National Directory of Restorative Justice, is hosted by the Canadian Department of Justice.
The Government of British Columbia offers a list of contacts for many Indigenous Justice and Restorative Justice programs in BC.
Inclusive
Respectful
Participatory
Healing