Rural Red Deer

Restorative Justice Program

The direction you choose makes a difference

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative Justice is an approach that focuses on addressing and repairing harms caused by holding the wrong doer responsible for their actions. The person(s) harmed, the wrong doer and their families meet with trained facilitators to discuss the offence and jointly develop a plan to repair the harm that has occurred. This restorative process addresses both the causes and the consequences of offending- personal, relational and societal, in ways that promote accountability, healing and justice.

The Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice program is available to wrong doers (between 12 years and 25 years of age) and those they have harmed, who reside in or who are served by Blackfalds RCMP K division or the Lacombe Police Service.

What’s the difference between the Restorative Justice process and the Traditional Justice System?

Restorative Justice

Traditional Justice System

Participation is Voluntary
Individuals accept Accountability
Understanding approach
Harms are Repaired
Offender is supported to improve

Participation is Mandatory
Individuals are Punished
Blaming approach
Harms are Ignored
Offender is abandoned to worsen

Expected Outcomes

Short Term

Offender Accountability
Repaired harms
Repaired relationships
Victim satisfaction

Long Term

Reduction in recidivism
Lowered crime rates
Optimized Court use
Cost effective justice system
Individuals feel safe and connected to their communities.

Click on the images below to learn more

Referral Process

See our Annual Report 2021-2022

Help us to build safer communities

Increase Community Awareness- Request a Presentation!

Help members of your community, school, business or program to understand the benefits, principles and processes involved in restorative justice as an alternative to the traditional justice system by requesting an RRDRJ facilitated presentation. Just email debbie@rrdrestorativejustice.ca to make a request.

In addition, the program is always in need of the following if you can help:

Sponsorships– when you sponsor or provide a service to the RRDRJ program we will highlight your business or organization on this website as well as our other social media venues so that others in the community are aware of your contributions and support. Contact Dean at dean@rrdrestorativejustice.ca to become a recognized sponsor today!
Donations: Make a Donation or Purchase RCMP Commemorative Challenge Coin
Space! Do you have space that we might be able to use for pre-conference interviews or case conferences?
Work Experience- Are you an individual, program or business who would be willing to provide employment or work experience opportunities for youth?
Skill Development- Can you provide/offer training/education and skill development opportunities for youth?
Fund Raising- Do you enjoy fundraising? Volunteers to support fund raising activities are always needed
Community Awareness- Individuals with skills to help build community awareness campaigns and social media strategies can help to spread the information about the program in a positive way!
Facilitators– if you think you would like to be trained to be a restorative justice facilitator- submit an application today!

If you are interested in supporting the Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice Program, in any way- please contact the Program Coordinator Debbie Leitch: debbie@rrdrestorativejustice.ca