To the editor:
I would like to write about the restorative
justice program, and how it helps the community.
Restorative justice is not about punishment, but about getting to the heart of the underlying issue(s) that have led one to commit a
crime/wrong, and allowing all persons who
are affected by the
wrongdoing and the wrongdoer to come together in a safe environment to explore and discuss the impacts of the wrongdoing.
This program helps people come to terms
with what they have
done, how it was wrong, and how it has truly impacted those who are affected. It also helps those people who have been wronged to get closure, to understand the person who has wronged them, and to have a satisfactory outcome, that all parties can feel good about.
It helps the wrongdoers figure out what they could have done to avoid whatever situation they were in, and ways they can ensure they do not find themselves in a similar situation again. It can also help to put them in touch with resources that could help them deal with any underlying issues that may have caused them to end up in the situation that led them to commit the wrong.
Restorative justice also gives you a chance to make up for the wrong you have committed, as all parties come up with and agree upon a suitable and meaningful way for offenders to restore the wrong that they have committed.
Restorative justice frees up the court system saving money, and
saving otherwise good people from falling into the system. It helps
them grow to becoming better people who can contribute positively to society.
The restorative justice process, as facilitated by the John Howard Society in Kelowna, has helped me personally to become a better person, and I would like to spread the word about this great program, and how helpful it can be.
Robert Nicholson
Kelowna
