Restorative justice is an approach to justice that aims to repair the harm done to victims. In doing so, practitioners work to ensure that offenders take responsibility for their actions, and understand the harm they have caused, while giving them the opportunity to redeem themselves.
Restorative Justice Cowichan formerly called Warmland RJ is a not-for-profit-society that has provided restorative justice services to the valley since 2011. RJC will be holding case manager training in Duncan on April 12 and 13 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m., at their office at 205-394 Duncan St. The cost of training is $500 for individuals, or $650 for organizations, with limited scholarships for those ages 55 and older. There are 12 spots available, five of which are eligible for scholarships for 55-plus which are filling up rapidly.
READ MORE: Cowichan’s restorative justice society looking for funds as caseload increases
“We invite people from all backgrounds to enrol in our restorative justice training program,” said RJC director and case worker Eleanor Orser. “The key eligibility for participating in restorative justice is a client admitting they have made a mistake. Restorative justice is not concerned with pinpointing fault; rather, we welcome individuals who come to us with genuine acknowledgment of their missteps, a readiness to shoulder accountability for their actions, and a sincere commitment to addressing the issue, fostering reconciliation with affected parties, and reintegrating into the community. Restorative justice offers our clients a unique opportunity for profound self-reflection, enabling them to glean insights from their experiences, assume full ownership of their actions, and forgive themselves.
“We seek individuals who embody empathy, compassion, and fortitude and are eager to cultivate their interpersonal and professional competencies in facilitation and mentorship while actively contributing to the ongoing evolution of the Canadian criminal justice system.”
Training will be facilitated by case manager Allen Peabody and topics will include: RCMP Community Justice Forum Training, Trauma Informed Practice, Cultural Awareness, Competence and Safety, Gladue Principles, Client Mentorship Training, Practice Standards, Anti-Bias and Impartiality Skills, and Legal Regulatory and Ethical Considerations.
“There will be mandatory online courses open for self-paced study two weeks before training starts,” said Orser. “These courses will be about five to 15 minutes each and take about five hours total. The hope is that participants can access this online portion in bite-sized pieces. The courses will be accessible on mobile phone, tablet and computer.”
Upon completion students will be qualified to participate in Community Justice Forums through one of the following positions: facilitator, case coordinator, client mentor, community representative, and scribe. Orser, who was elected as board director last October and currently participates as a scribe (note taker), will also be taking the training this April. She said that her responsibilities with RJC primarily revolve around contributing to developing and implementing their strategic plan.
“Since joining Restorative Justice in September 2023, I’ve found profound fulfillment in witnessing the transformative power of community justice forums,” said Orser. “Seeing the affected and responsible parties emerge from these forums with heightened self-confidence and resilience is truly rewarding. The efficacy of the restorative process is evident; research indicates that participation in restorative justice significantly reduces the likelihood of recidivism among responsible parties, underscoring its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of their behaviour.”
RJC is now in a phase of expansion. Orser said that initially they only received referrals from the RCMP and local businesses, but recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Crown Counsel to also receive referrals from them.
“Through the efforts of our devoted RCMP liaison Denise, we have continued raising awareness among the officers at the North Cowichan, Shawnigan Lake, and Cowichan Lake RCMP detachments, so the number of referrals we receive from them continues to increase,” said Orser.
RJC is also currently looking for more members to join their board. To register for the two-day case worker training, or to inquire about scholarships email rjcowichan@gmail.com.
“I hope prospective students will walk away from this training with a renewed faith in the Canadian criminal justice system and their ability to contribute to healing and change in our community,” said Orser.