Restorative Justice in Kelowna.
A different approach to the Legal System.
Restorative Justice brings together the person who caused harm, the person affected, and community members to address what happened and find a resolution. The focus is on accountability and repairing harm rather than punishment. The program is available as an alternative to the formal court process for eligible adults.
A different approach to harm.
Restorative justice centres the person who was harmed. They can ask questions directly, describe how the incident affected them, and have a say in what happens next. The person who caused harm hears this directly and has the opportunity to take responsibility in a way that goes beyond accepting a sentence. Agreements can include restitution, commitments to change behaviour, or other measures that address what actually happened. The process is structured and facilitated, with support for all parties throughout. Referrals are accepted from the Central Okanagan RCMP, Courts, Community Corrections, Bylaw Services, and ICBC.
The Program
Facilitated process for adults who have caused harm and accept responsibility.
Restorative Justice
Structured meetings between the person who caused harm and the person affected.
Person who caused harm meets face-to-face with those affected to acknowledge responsibility.
Opportunity to ask questions, describe impact, and participate in decision-making.
Opportunity to address underlying issues that contributed to the behaviour.
Agreements can include concrete or symbolic restitution.
Community members may participate in the process.
Location: 205 – 1460 Pandosy Street, Kelowna.
Eligibility
Restorative Justice is open to:
person who caused harm
Adults 18+ who acknowledge and accept responsibility
person who caused harm
With minimal RCMP interaction regarding the incident.
person who caused harm
Reffered by Central Okanagan RCMP, Courts, Community Corrections, Bylaw Services, or ICBC.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Justice in Kelowna.
Restorative justice is an alternative to the court process that focuses on repairing harm rather than assigning punishment. It brings together the person who caused harm and the person affected to discuss what happened and reach an agreement.
Referrals are accepted from the Central Okanagan RCMP, Courts, Community Corrections, Bylaw Services, and ICBC.
After a referral is received, the facilitator meets separately with the parties involved. Then all affected parties are brought together for a facilitated conversation. An agreement is made, and once completed, an evaluation and final report are submitted.
Victims can ask questions, express how the incident affected them, participate in deciding what should happen, and request restitution.
In many cases, yes. Restorative justice can serve as an alternative to the formal court process for eligible participants.