Synergy's restorative justice program

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Created in 2022, Project Rewrite was formed to become a Restorative Justice Program encompassing the diverse people of multiple communities, providing help and support to those who need it. Chestermere, Langdon, Indus, Conrich, Dalroy, Dalemed, and throughout the rest of southeast Rockyview are the grounds for this new Restorative Justice Program. With the support of RCMP, Peace Officers, probation officers, community watches, and Schools, the message and objectives for Restorative Justice will continue to grow, and make a lasting impact on those living in their community.

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Restorative Justice (RJ) is an approach to justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through cooperative processes. This approach seeks to bring together those most affected by wrongdoing (victims, offenders, and community members) to collectively resolve how to deal with the aftermath and its implications for the future.

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Objectives / Philosophy

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Objectives: 

• Promote healing for victims. 

• Encourage offenders to take responsibility. 

• Foster a sense of community and mutual respect. 

• Reduce recidivism. 

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Philosophy: 

• Justice should focus on repairing harm. 

• The involvement of all affected parties is essential. 

• Processes should be inclusive, collaborative, and voluntary.

 

Principles

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• Healing: Addressing the needs of victims and promoting their healing. 

• Accountability: Offenders must acknowledge their actions and the harm caused. 

• Reparation: Offenders should make amends to victims and the community. 

• Inclusiveness: Involving victims, offenders, and the community in the justice process. 

• Respect: Treating all participants with respect. 

• Voluntariness: Participation is voluntary for all parties. 

• Safety: Ensuring physical, emotional, and psychological safety for participants.

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Statistics

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• Recidivism Reduction: RJ programs have been shown to reduce recidivism rates by up to 25%. 

• Victim Satisfaction: Over 85% of victims report satisfaction with RJ processes. 

• Cost-Effectiveness: RJ processes are often more cost-effective than traditional criminal justice approaches.

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History

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• Indigenous Roots: RJ practices have roots in Indigenous traditions that emphasize community and healing. 

• Modern Emergence: RJ re-emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as an alternative to the punitive criminal justice system. 

• Legislative Support: Various jurisdictions, including Canada, have incorporated RJ principles into their legal systems.