Restorative justice is a philosophy based on community healing. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, it brings together those affected by an offence to collectively address the harm done and find a path toward repair.
In a typical restorative justice process, cases are screened for suitability and affected parties are met with in advance. If the case moves forward, everyone affected by an offence—victims, offenders, and community members—is invited to discuss the circumstances.
Through structured dialogue facilitated by trained facilitators, the focus shifts from "Which rule was broken?" to "Who was harmed and what do they need?" This process empowers victims to have a voice and encourages offenders to take meaningful responsibility for their actions.
British Columbia has a vibrant network of community-based restorative justice programs funded through the Community Accountability Programs (CAP) initiative.
These programs operate across the province, from the Lower Mainland to Northern BC, serving both youth and adult populations. They provide a vital alternative to the traditional court system, often resulting in higher satisfaction rates for victims and lower recidivism rates for offenders.
RJ in BC is a free community resource designed to bridge the gap between people and programs. Whether you are a victim seeking repair, a lawyer looking for options, or a police officer making a referral, this directory makes it easy to find local services.
Our data is sourced from the BC Ministry of Public Safety and refined by the practitioners on the ground to ensure accuracy and accessibility for all British Columbians.