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 are primarily made internally by COJ staff; Crown Attorney, Probation Officer, and police can also make a referral
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
A Youth Justice Committee invites people impacted by a crime to come together in a safe manner to share their experiences, understand the harm that has been caused, and discuss meaningful ways to repair that harm and help people move forward. The program is voluntary and available to youth ages 12-17 alleged to have committed a chargeable offence.
Program Expectations:
To participate in the YJC program, the youth must:
take responsibility for their actions
be willing to participate in the program
make an agreement that includes making amends to those that have been impacted
Upon successful completion of the program, pending charge(s) will not be laid or charges will be withdrawn.
Referrals are received from the Crown Attorney
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Based on Restorative Justice principles, VORP invites people impacted by a crime to come together in a safe manner to share their experiences, understand the harm that has been caused, and discuss meaningful ways to repair that harm and help people move forward.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone 18 or older charged with a criminal offence who is deemed suitable by the Crown Attorney.
Program Expectations:
To participate in VORP, the accused must be ready:
-to demonstrate accountability for their actions
-to meet with the victim and mediators, and actively participate in the mediation process
-to make amends to the victim and community (if applicable) to help repair the harm that has been caused
In most cases, upon successful completion of the program, the charge(s) will be withdrawn.
Participation in this program is voluntary for all involved.
Referrals are received from Oxford OPP or Woodstock Police Service
Primary Contact:Rory Offen
Program Description:
Adult Mediation is available to people who are experiencing conflict and are willing to meet with one another to discuss the situation with the assistance of trained mediators in a safe, supported manner.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone over the age of 18 who is experiencing conflict and is willing to meet with the other party. The conflict does not have to be criminal in nature.
Program Expectations:
Conversation in Adult Mediation focuses on three main things: the participants’ stories; the impact of the conflict; and finding an agreement that will help people move forward.
Participants should be willing to share their story and experiences and be willing to listen to the other person; mediation is not a process in which mediators make decisions or tell participants what they are to do.
Participation in this program is voluntary for all involved.
Adult Mediation Referral Form (Oxford OPP and Woodstock Police Service)
Community Programs
Self-referrals are received from the community for individuals age 18 or older.
Primary contact: John Stevenson
Program Description:
The 5-session course includes instruction in:
Recognizing the symptoms of excessive anger
Identifying and defusing personal triggers
Cognitive and behavioural choices
Alternative communication skills
Conflict resolution skill development
Relaxation and coping techniques
The first session includes an assessment of your anger management history and is free of charge.
What is involved:
Setting up a schedule for appointments (usually weekly or bi-weekly)
Cost of program is $160
Participant will receive a letter upon completion of the course
Self-Referrals are received from the community for youth not yet involved in the justice system
Primary Contact: Rory Offen
Program Description:
Sessions focus on education & awareness, and developing skills and strategies to encourage improved coping. Programming is available for Managing Emotions and Substance Misuse.
Eligible participants are youth age 12-17 who are at risk of becoming involved in the justice system.
Participation in programming is voluntary.
There is no set schedule for programming and acceptance is based on suitability and staff availability.