RESTORATIVE JUSTICE in our COMMUNITY? What is RESTORATIVE JUSTICE in our COMMUNITY? What does it do for City of Duncan the City of Duncan? (HINT -It is about harm and accountability.) Presentation to City of Duncan, April 2013

1995/6 – Three individuals approached the Community Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) to started a Restorative Justice (RJ) Program in Cowichan 2001 – CPAC contracted out the RJ program North Cowichan Duncan RCMP OIC - Insp. Hewco, encouraged us to start our own society 13 April 2012 – Warmland Restorative Justice Society was incorporated under the BC Society Act We are currently applying for “Charitable Status” OUR HISTORY

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IS:  Organized and led by trained facilitators  Held in a safe & neutral location  Participants are given the opportunity to explain how they have been affected by the conflict  All parties have input to solution

Resolve conflicts quickly Have a cost effective alternative Reinstate offender into the Community Create a safer community Participate in peace making BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE COURT SYSTEM AND RJ COURT – focus on offenders, offences and punishment Victim & Community are often overlooked Punishment is the main objective RJ – Problem solving Accountability is important Outcome must be fair to all Offenders take responsibility and learn from their actions All parties identify harms and find solutions to repair the harm.

ONE FILE – TWO DIFFERENT WAYS Using the same scenario: Rachel hits Joshua with a skateboard causing soft tissue injury that requires healing and physiotherapy. The assault follows on the heels of Joshua bullying Rachel’s younger sister on Facebook, falsely accusing her of stealing his girlfriend’s cell phone and making threats against her. The same case going through the court system is plea bargained down to simple assault with probation and community service. *Oct.2009 from Victoria RJ & Prov.Court analysis

COMPARISON Traditional Court Process Restorative Justice Process Cost Comparison$3,779.00$ Human Resource Hours 78.5 hrs21 hrs Overall Time Frame12-24 months30-60 days *Oct.2009 from Victoria RJ & Provincial Court analysis

 90% COMPLIANCE  45 FILES representing 75 OFFENDERS REFERRED in 2012  OVER 130 PARTICIPANTS in 2012  34 CONFERENCES HELD in 2012  9 FILES RETURNED, 2 SENT TO CROWN FOR CHARGES  3 TRAINED FACILITATORS (more in training)  2 – 60 DAYS FROM REFERRAL TO CONFERENCE  OVER 1100 Volunteer Hours OUR PROGRAM IN 2012

TYPES OF CRIMES – 2012 THEFT Under $5000 (shoplifting) – 72% THEFT from a Motor Vehicle – 5% MISCHIEF Under $5000 – 9% MISCHIEF Over $5000 – 2% ASSAULT – 7% POSSESSION of Cannabis – 2% SUPPLYING LIQUOR to a minor – 2%

TYPES OF CRIMES – January to March2013 THEFT Under $5000 (shoplifting) – 67% MISCHIEF Under $5000 – 13% ASSAULT – 25% Representing 12 FILES 17 OFFENDERS

Moving Forward Moving Forward - 18 April 2013 – 7pm - First AGM at Thrifty Foods Meeting Room We will be holding elections to the Board of Directors. We hope to establish a steering committee of community representatives to build community awareness, assist in planning & direction, educate the community about RJ principles and practices You are cordially invited

Cowichan Valley Basket Society THE DUNCAN FOODBANK U-fix it Bike Works & Youth Art Studio Baptist Church COMMUNITY LIVING BRITISH COLUMBIA OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

City of Duncan COWICHAN VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT North Cowichan Duncan Detachment OUR PARTNERS

Restorative Justice Building relationships Accountability Understanding HEALING means