Repair
harm
Restore
relationships
Build
community
The Regional Red Deer Restorative Justice (RRDRJ) Society supports communities across Central Alberta by offering restorative ways to respond to harm arising from criminal and non-criminal situations, as well as challenges within school communities. Our work focuses on repairing harm, strengthening relationships, and supporting meaningful accountability rather than relying solely on punitive responses.
Regional Red Deer Restorative Justice
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is a community-centred approach to addressing harm. It brings together the person harmed, the person who caused the harm, and—when appropriate—their families, supporters, and members of the community. With the guidance of trained facilitators, participants are supported to talk openly about what happened, understand the impact of the harm, and explore what is needed to repair it.
Rather than centring on which rule was broken or what punishment is deserved, restorative justice centres on responsibility, impact, and repair. Participants work together to create practical, realistic agreements that address both the harm itself and the underlying factors that contributed to it. This process recognizes that harm is rarely isolated—it affects individuals, relationships, and communities—and meaningful repair must attend to all three.
Because of our sponsors, our services are free, and available to anyone in the Central Alberta area.
RRDRJ services are available to youth and adults, and to those impacted by their actions, who live in Central Alberta.
Thanks to the support of our sponsors and funders, these services are provided at no cost to participants.
Restorative justice is not a guaranteed solution for every situation, nor is it the right choice for everyone. Participation is voluntary, and success depends on readiness, honesty, and willingness. Choosing a restorative path is a conscious decision—to take responsibility, to engage in repair, and to accept support in addressing the challenges that led to harm. Each accountable choice builds momentum. We recognize and respect the courage it takes to choose restoration, to follow through on commitments, and to work toward making things right.
Referrals to the Regional Red Deer Restorative Justice Program may come from police and justice partners, including RCMP detachments and the Crown Prosecutor’s Office; from schools and school divisions seeking restorative responses to harm or support with school culture; from Victim Serving Organizations and community or social service agencies; and through direct self-referrals from individuals or families who are seeking a restorative way to address harm, conflict, or repair relationships.
Schools in central Alberta that would like to implement restorative practices and processes within the classroom as a proactive approach to addressing unacceptable behaviours can enroll in our school culture program.
This short video provides a great overview of why you might choose restorative justice as an option.
Quick Links
Want to know more or become involved with Regional Red Deer Restorative Justice?
Expected Outcomes of Restorative Justice
Short Term Outcomes Include:
Short-term outcomes include increased accountability by those who caused harm; meaningful repair of harm; strengthened or restored relationships; people who were harmed feeling heard, supported, and respected; clearer understanding of the factors that contributed to the harm; and practical supports that help individuals move forward in healthier ways.
Long Term Outcomes Include:
Long-term outcomes include reduced re-harm and repeat involvement with the justice system; fewer punitive responses to conflict; more effective use of court and justice resources; increased community capacity to respond to harm; and individuals, families, and communities experiencing greater safety, connection, and belonging.
Platinum Sponsor
2025-2028
Platinum Sponsor
2026
