Who Can Refer?
Police Referrals
The Regional Red Deer Restorative Justice program is available to people who have been harmed and those who have caused harm who live in, or are served by, Central Alberta RCMP detachments and municipal police services, including Blackfalds, Bashaw, Rimbey, Sylvan Lake, and surrounding communities.
Police may refer situations at various stages when a restorative response may better meet the needs of those impacted and support meaningful accountability, whether in criminal or non-criminal matters. All referrals are assessed to ensure a restorative process is appropriate, voluntary, and safe.
Crown Prosecutor Referrals
People who have been harmed, or those who have caused harm, may request a restorative justice process through the Alberta Crown Prosecutor’s Office or through legal counsel. Cases may be referred at different points in the justice process, including pre-charge and post-charge, when appropriate. Referring prosecutors are encouraged to connect with RRDRJ to discuss suitability and process options.
School Referrals
School administrators, counsellors, and School Resource Officers may refer students or school-based situations where harm, conflict, or relationship breakdown would benefit from a restorative response. Referrals may be proactive or responsive and are focused on repairing harm, supporting student accountability, and strengthening school relationships and culture.
Community Referrals
Individuals, families, and community members may access restorative justice when ongoing conflict, harm, or relationship rupture is affecting individuals or the broader community. RRDRJ works with those involved to assess whether a restorative process can support understanding, repair, and safer outcomes moving forward.
Our goal is to make referral as simple and accessible as possible.
Referrals can be submitted using the referral form on our website, or by contacting our Executive Director directly by email. All inquiries are handled confidentially.
Before referring, we ask that you obtain verbal consent from the individuals involved for RRDRJ to contact them. Once consent is confirmed, our team will connect with you to discuss the situation, complete the referral, and determine next steps. We will manage the intake and assessment process and keep the referring party informed as appropriate throughout.
How to Refer
Examples of Referable Offences
- Assault
- Bullying/Cyber Bullying
- Threat to Harm
- Mischief
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Break and Enter
- Arson
- All parties are voluntary participants
- Responsible Youth accepts responsibility for their actions
- All consider it safe to be involved
Qualifying Factors for RJ Referral
Your First Steps
1
If you’re not sure, call us.
2
Obtain verbal consent for RJ to contact all parties.
3
Download referral form or use online referral form to submit intake information.
Once Referral is submitted
1
Referral received (form or email). RRDRJ receives the referral and confirms the key details needed to open the file.
2
Confidential file opened. A secure, confidential file is created and an internal lead is assigned.
3
Initial intake + suitability screening. We connect with the referring party to clarify context, safety considerations, timelines, and immediate needs. We assess whether a restorative approach may be appropriate and voluntary.
4
Facilitators assigned. If suitable, two trained facilitators are assigned to the file and restorative planning begins.
5
Initial contact with the person who caused the harm. Facilitators meet with the person who caused harm to assess accountability, willingness to take responsibility, readiness for a restorative process, and available supports. If responsibility is not acknowledged, the process does not move forward with their involvement.
6
Contact and preparation with the person harmed. When accountability is established, facilitators contact the person harmed to explain options, confirm consent, assess safety and readiness, and identify needs, supports, and preferences. The pace of this step is guided by the person harmed.
7
Restorative planning. Facilitators determine the most appropriate restorative process (conference, circle, facilitated dialogue, or indirect options), confirm participants, and ensure everyone is prepared.
8
Restorative process held (if appropriate). A structured, trauma-informed process takes place focused on impact, needs, accountability, and repair, with the experience of the person harmed at the centre.
9
Agreement created. When appropriate, clear and realistic repair actions are documented with timelines and follow-up supports.
10
Follow-up and closure. RRDRJ monitors progress, supports completion, and keeps referring partners informed as appropriate. If the process cannot continue, or commitments are not met, the file is closed and the referring agency is advised within the limits of confidentiality.
