Lanark County Community Justice is volunteer based non-profit organization that has been offering court diversion support & services to Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls for over 20 years. Our vision is for a community that embraces restorative practices to repair harm, build community and strengthen relationships. Our Main Programs:
- Youth & Adult Community Justice Court Diversion
- R
estorative Parenting
- Restorative Families
What is Restorative Justice?
- is a philosophy and an approach, that views crime and conflict principally as harm done to people and relationships
- provides safe spaces and supportive opportunities for communication between those affected (victims, offenders, their respective support people and the community) by a crime or conflict
- encourages accepting responsibility, accountability and reparation by offenders
provides an opportunity for the offender to understand the impact and hear how their actions have affected others
- provides greater understanding, feelings of satisfaction, healing, and a greater voice in the criminal justice system for victims than the traditional justice system
is voluntary for all participants
- principles are based on respect, compassion and inclusivity
- provides an opportunity for healing, reparation and reintegration of and by the offender
- may take place at all stages of the criminal justice system
- is community response to crime and wrongdoing
Restorative Justice is a non-adversarial, non-retributive approach to justice that emphasizes healing in victims, meaningful accountability of offenders, and the involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safer communities. LCCJ creates a safe, respectful space to facilitate community justice forums. Communities can be empowered to gain a better understanding of the root causes of crime, engage in a process to express and reduce their fears, and contribute to an understanding of the wider impacts of crime. For more information about our organization or services, additional learning opportunities, or to contribute please visit our website: www.commjustice.org
