Mediation Services

Court Diversion

Restorative Justice Diversion Program

Our Restorative Justice Diversion Program works with individuals who have criminal charges and with individual(s) against whom the harm was done.

We are a legally recognized alternative to court and currently receive 300–500 referrals from the Manitoba court system each year.

We offer a person-centered approach to seek accountability, repair harm and move forward in a good way.

Restorative justice offers access to justice and a way to resolve charges outside of court. Our work is based on the principles of restorative justice which considers:

  • Who has been hurt?
  • What do they need?
  • Who is responsible for meeting those needs?

What can you expect from this program?

  1. A call from your caseworker to schedule an in-person meeting to talk about the matter at hand and to hear your story
  2. Coaching and preparation for a restorative process
  3. A restorative process — We facilitate a number of options to meet the needs of the many individuals who use our services. The type of restorative process depends on the context, relationship, and readiness of the participants. While the individuals involved may request a specific restorative process, the courts and/or caseworkers assess each situation to determine the most appropriate approach. Options include:
    • Face-to-face meetings guided by trained community volunteers
    • Restorative Action (RA) meetings with community facilitators
    • Community justice forums
    • Surrogate-Victim-Offender mediations
    • Circle processes

For the person who has experienced harm

Our program aims to give those who have experienced harm a voice in seeking justice, an opportunity to share the impacts of harm, answers to lingering questions about the event and an option to speak to how the person charged might be able to make amends for the harm.

What else do I need to know

  • Participation is voluntary for all parties.
  • Caseworkers and community volunteers are always monitoring for the appropriateness of this program for all participants.
  • If mediation is deemed the appropriate approach, a session may be arranged for a time convenient for everyone. Evening sessions are available.
  • At a mediation, trained community volunteer mediators will facilitate and guide a conversation. The mediators do not make decisions for the parties, but support those who have been harmed to share information about the impact of the offense, and those responsible for the harm to answer questions, hear the impact, and develop plans for how to put things right. The mediators assist all parties to work towards a resolution that they feel is fair, and which addresses their needs.
  • If mediation is not appropriate, the person who caused harm will meet with trained community facilitators for an accountability meeting. At this meeting, the voice of the person harmed will be brought in either through an impact statement, or by way of a surrogate-victim.
  • Regardless of the restorative process, if an agreement is reached, the terms are written down and signed by everyone, and the agreement is submitted to the court for review. If an agreement is not reached, the case is referred back to court.
  • Mediation Services will follow up on agreements to monitor their completion. Agreements often include elements such as restitution, counseling, or community service work.
  • When an agreement is completed, a recommendation is made that the criminal charges do not proceed further in court.

What are the benefits?

A restorative process may help participants:

  • Understand why an offence happened
  • Have questions and concerns answered
  • Tell their story (directly or indirectly) and have their voice heard
  • Have a say in the outcome

A restorative process also:

  • Reduces the chance of future problems
  • Gives an opportunity for restitution
  • Can provide referrals and connections to community resources for additional support

For more information on the Restorative Justice Diversion Program contact Jomer Ruiz by email or at 204-925-3425

ONLINE WEBINARS

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whenever you might need them:

If you have questions,
please don’t hesitate to call.

1-204-925-3410

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