CJI provides conflict resolution services for victims and offenders which can be used at any point in the legal process including pre-sentence, post-sentence, and after conviction. VORP is our best known court-based mediation program.
95.1% of victims and offenders who met for mediation were satisfied with the outcome and 97% would recommend the process to others.
Adult Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP)
With the help of a trained facilitator, victims and offenders, who are 18+, can resolve offences through mediation. Individuals can advocate for participation in VORP by talking to their Counsel or Duty Counsel, probation officer, police officer or prison institution about eligibility, their rights, and program benefits. Participation in VORP requires that the accused are ready to accept responsibility for their actions, meet with the victim and mediators to discuss the harm caused, and make amends (examples can include apologizing, paying restitution, or completing volunteer work).
For more information, see the VORP brochure here: CJI_VORPBrochure
Contact 519-744-6549 x 117
Youth Restorative Justice Program (Formerly "VORP")
Through this program, accused youth, complainants, and other stakeholders meet with two trained facilitators to discuss the impact of a crime and how to repair harm. Facilitators meet with each participant individually to prepare them for the mediation. Participants develop and sign a mutually satisfying written agreement. Through mediation, youth reflect on the impact of their actions, take responsibility, offer an explanation or an apology, and in some cases avoid a criminal record.
Contact 519-744-6549 x 102
I felt a lot better about myself after the mediation. Being able to talk to the other party made me aware about how the incident affected them. It made me realize I would not want to re-offend.
Before mediation, I was stressed because of the incident. I did not leave the house because of what happened. The conflict affected me greatly, especially my daily life. It was nice to come together and have it resolved. I have my life back.
During our 40+ year history, we have continuously responded to community needs by creatively, and innovatively applying restorative justice principles to new problems. We believe the only limit to the power of restorative justice is the capacity of the human heart to change and grow.
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