Central Okanagan

Restorative Justice Program

Restorative Justice is a non-court alternative that handles RCMP case referrals involving youth who commit minor offences. Through the guidance of trained volunteers, guardians, victims and other interested supporters, the offenders participate in a process where they acknowledge responsibility for their behaviour, learn how others are affected, and take steps to repair the harm done.

Restorative Justice helps keep youth out of the criminal court system by providing another way to hold them accountable. The RCMP refer youth, who commit minor crimes, to the program. Trained Volunteers facilitate face-to-face meetings with the offender, who admits responsibility and describes what was done, and the victims, parents, RCMP, and others involved in the incident who all explain how they have been affected. The group then develops a written contract of action for the offender so that the youth can repair harm caused and to prevent a similar situation from reoccurring. Trained Volunteers mentor the offender during the compliance of this contract.

The Central Okanagan Restorative Justice Program deals with youth crime in Westbank, Kelowna, Mission and South East Kelowna, Rutland, Black Mountain and Lake Country.

Sharlene O'Reilly
Coordinator
Central Okanagan Restorative Justice Program
Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs
1633 Richter Street, P.O. Box 75, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 7N3

Tel (250) 575-6638 
Fax (250) 868-3466
Email: soreilly@boysandgirlsclubs.ca
Web: boysandgirlsclubs.ca

Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs Joined in unity, dedicated to service
Oliver * Penticton * Summerland * Westside * Kelowna * Lake Country * Vernon * Armstrong