Restorative Justice Week 2010

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Dear Friends,

I am pleased to announce the theme for Restorative Justice Week 2010, "Reflexions Past, Present and Future”, which will be held November 14-21, 2010. This theme acknowledges the beginning of a new decade as a good time to reflect on the growth and achievements of the past; to take stock of the present; and to set new objectives for the future.

Restorative justice is about giving all parties involved in a conflict the opportunity to take an active role in a safe and respectful process that allows for open dialogue between the victim, offender, and the community. For offenders, it is about taking responsibility and being held accountable for the harm caused. For victims, it provides an opportunity to address the harm caused and ask questions that may be necessary as a part of the healing process. For communities surrounding the victim and the offender, it provides an understanding of the root causes of crime and conflict.

The roots of restorative justice lie in enduring principles and values expressed in a growing and dynamic movement that challenges Canadians in their thinking about crime, conflict, and the traditional criminal justice system. Reflection creates the foundation for assessing situations, generating connections between theory and practice, and developing a deeper understanding of an approach and its application. In reflecting upon restorative justice, one is able to:

• Look back and celebrate those who have laid the groundwork and championed the development of restorative justice in Canada and throughout the world;
• Look at the present and recognize those who are working in the field of restorative justice and share best practices/knowledge; and
• Look at the future in support of those who continue to build and advance the role of restorative justice in its application in the Canadian criminal justice system, as well as other Canadian social systems.

This reflection is particularly important as we look to plant the seeds for a better future. I invite you to write an article reflecting upon past and current experience with restorative justice with an emphasis on what needs to be accomplished as we walk through the next decade. Help us remember where we have been, understand where we are, and visualize where we are going.

Written submissions for the Restorative Justice Week 2010 Resource Kit can be submitted to: restorativejustice@csc-scc.gc.ca. Please refer to www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rj/rj2010/crite-eng.shtml for the criteria used in consideration of submissions.

I also encourage you to organise events in your communities to celebrate Restorative Justice Week 2010. Please complete the ‘Event Form’ at www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rj/rj2010/evenfrm-eng.shtml if you would like to advertise your event on our website.

For more information, please contact Manon Buck, Restorative Justice Division at (613) 992-8390, manon.buck@csc-scc.gc.ca; or Michelle Landry, Chaplaincy Branch at (613) 995-8366, michelle.landry@csc-scc.gc.ca.

Chris Price
Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs