What is Your Role?
The Regional Red Deer Restorative Justice (RRDRJ) program has many roles. Here is a summary of roles we fill:
The individual who is taking responsibility for an action that hurt someone else. Participating in restorative justice means being willing to listen, reflect, and take meaningful steps to repair the harm.
The individual who experienced the harm. Their voice is at the centre of the process. They decide what they need to feel heard and to begin healing — and nothing happens without their agreement.
Roles
Support person
Someone trusted by a participant — a parent, family member, friend, teacher, or counsellor — who attends to provide emotional support. Support people play an active role in the conference and may also have their own questions or perspectives to share.
Community representative
Sometimes a community member who has been indirectly affected — or who has a meaningful role in restoration — is invited to participate. This might be a neighbour, school staff member, or someone connected to the broader impact of the harm.
Referring officer or agency
The RCMP officer, Crown Prosecutor, school principal, or community organization that referred the case to RRDRJ. They may attend the conference and are kept informed of the outcome.
A trained volunteer who manages the file and leads the restorative conference. They connect with all participants before the conference, guide the conversation on the day, and follow up on the agreement.
Co-facilitator
Works alongside the lead facilitator to prepare documents, support participants during the conference, take notes, and lead the post-conference debrief. Every conference includes at least two facilitators.
Mentor
A volunteer who walks alongside the person who caused harm as they complete their agreement. Mentors offer encouragement, check in regularly, and help connect youth to resources — meeting in public settings as a trusted presence.
Advocate
A volunteer who supports a participant — either the person harmed or the person responsible — who doesn’t have a support person of their own. Advocates help ensure no one goes through the process alone.
Restorative School Liaison
Works directly in schools to support restorative circle practices, build agreements with students and families, and help youth reconnect to their school community.
Gender Based Violence Practitioner
Provides specialized support for files that involve a gender based violence element, and implements the GBV Non-Contact Restorative Pathways program — ensuring these cases are handled with the additional expertise and care they require.
Executive Director
Oversees all aspects of the program — from receiving referrals and assigning facilitators, to managing partnerships with RCMP, Crown, and community agencies. The first point of contact for any program questions.
