Restorative Practices and Community Programs

Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices invite people impacted by a crime or conflict to come together in a safe and respectful dialogue to discuss their experiences, understand the impacts of their actions, and explore meaningful ways to repair harm and help people move forward.

During a restorative process, trained facilitators ensure that everyone has a chance to speak and to listen. Participants discuss how a shared conflict impacted them, ask questions, and together work toward a mutually acceptable plan that addresses the participants’ needs.

Referrals Accepted From:
COJ Staff (Primary), Crown Attorney, Probation Officer, and Police

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview
The Youth Justice Committee (YJC) Program provides a restorative approach to justice by bringing together those affected by a crime. This voluntary program offers youth (ages 12-17) the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact of their offense, and work toward meaningful solutions to repair harm.

Program Expectations:
To participate, youth must:

Accept responsibility for their actions
Be willing to engage in the program
Create an agreement that outlines how they will make amends

Upon successful completion, pending charges will not be laid or will be withdrawn.

For more details, please contact us.

Referrals Accepted From:
Crown Attorney

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview:
The Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) follows Restorative Justice principles, providing a safe space for individuals impacted by a crime to come together. Through guided mediation, participants share experiences, acknowledge harm, and explore meaningful ways to repair relationships and move forward.

Who is Eligible?

Adults 18+ charged with a criminal offence, as deemed suitable by the Crown Attorney

Program Expectations:

Take accountability for actions that led to the offence
Meet with the victim and mediators to engage in the reconciliation process
Complete agreed-upon actions to make amends to the victim and/or community (if applicable)

Upon successful completion, charges will typically be withdrawn.

Participation is voluntary for all involved.

Program Information:

Referrals Accepted From:
Oxford OPP & Woodstock Police Service

Primary Contact:
Rory Offen

Location Program Offered:
Oxford

Program Overview:
The Adult Mediation Program provides a safe and structured environment for individuals in conflict to engage in open dialogue. With the support of trained mediators, participants share their perspectives, explore the impact of the conflict, and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution.

Who is Eligible?

Adults 18+ experiencing conflict—criminal or non-criminal in nature
Both parties must be willing to participate in mediation

Program Expectations:

Share personal experiences and perspectives
Listen actively and engage in constructive dialogue
Work collaboratively to find a resolution

Mediators do not impose decisions—the goal is to facilitate understanding and help participants move forward.

Participation is voluntary for all involved.

Program Information:

Community Programs

Referrals Accepted From:
Oxford OPP & Woodstock Police Service

Primary Contact:
Tajay Turner-Smith

Program Overview:
Our
Adult Anger Management Program is available through a Fee-For-Service model, with flexible payment options for both group and individual sessions. We are committed to providing affordable and accessible support tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help.

Program Structure:
The program consists of three structured sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours (including breaks).

Session 1: Awareness

  •  Exploring and defining anger
  • Identifying influences and factors that contribute to anger
  • Recognizing triggers and physical signs of anger
  • Self-awareness 

Session 2: Facts

  • Exploring patterns and expression of anger
  • Healthy versus unhealthy expression of anger
  • Myths about anger
  • Advantages and disadvantages of anger
  • Costs and benefits of anger
  • Effects of anger

Session 3: Skill Building

  • Boundaries relating to anger
  • Underlying needs
  • Conflict styles
  • Communication styles and skills
  • Anger management techniques and strategies