Restorative Justice Program
Valley Restorative Justice Society provides the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program to Annapolis, Kings and West Hants counties. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 and adults are referred to the program by Police, Crown Attorney, Judge, Corrections and victim-serving agencies.
Restorative justice emphasizes the importance of giving people and communities harmed by criminal incidents voice and more active involvement in the justice process. Those who have been harmed can choose their level of participation and are never forced to participate. Restorative processes create a safe, trauma-informed space for difficult conversations that, in turn, hold those who have harmed accountable. A forward-focused plan is created to help all participants move forward in a better way and allow access to resources.
Community Service Orders
The Community Service Order Program is set up to make available supervised work settings for youth who have to complete community service hours assigned by the Youth Courts.
Public Information & Awareness
Valley Restorative Justice Society staff are available to make presentations to community groups to disseminate information about the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program. VRJS supports local restorative initiatives in community-based settings and is always open to discussion.
For more information, please contact Lisa MacDougall, Executive Director, at 902-679-0650 or valleyrj@ns.sympatico.ca.
Restorative Approaches To Senior Safety (Rass)
Restorative Approaches to Senior Safety (RASS) was initially started to develop a restorative response that would address potential harm to seniors. Valley Restorative Justice and Tri-County Restorative Justice in Yarmouth, were originally chosen as the pilot sites. In April 2013, RASS members travelled to Ontario to gain more insight into a restorative approach in cases of senior abuse. This work has been on hold but discussions have been started to revive this work in the near future.
Collaborative Reintegration Program
Valley Restorative Justice Society staff provide an orientation program to youth residing at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre.