Restorative Justice Victoria will be able to provide more training and hire a new specialized case worker, thanks to funding from the Victoria Foundation.
The goal of restorative justice is to repair the harm caused by crime and violence. It tries to get offenders to take responsibility for their actions and give them an opportunity to redeem themselves.
Victims鈥� needs are also addressed, with the option of taking on an active role in the restorative-justice process.
鈥淲e provide an opportunity for the offender to communicate, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly, with their victims,鈥� said Gillian Lindquist, executive director of the non-profit organization.
The organization receives between 100 and 150 referrals every year from the Victoria Police Department, Oak Bay Police Department, Crown counsel, probation officers and even schools.
Restorative justice can be used as diversion from, or in conjunction with, the traditional justice system.
As part of the process toward reconciliation, clients can be referred for formal treatment or counselling, be asked to make lifestyle changes, seek support from family or the community, or perform volunteer work in the community.
Funding will enable the organization to offer five skill-building workshops this year, delivered by respected practitioners.
The workshops will benefit the organization鈥檚 two staff and more than 70 volunteer caseworkers, as well as restorative-justice practitioners from across Vancouver Island.
The workshops will focus on cultural sensitivity, difficult/challenging/complex client behaviour and needs, as well聽as聽introducing a new restorative-practices model.
Funding will also allow the organization to create a new staff position 鈥� a complex-case manager.
Lindquist said that the position attracts trained community members, most of whom have relevant backgrounds, professionals in fields such as counselling, mediation or social work.
The position will help the organization meet the need for services and increase support for clients and volunteers.
鈥淭he Victoria Foundation has been very supportive with funding for our services,鈥� said Lindquist. 鈥淭he complex-case manager position is essential to our success.鈥�
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