Source: (2011) Revisioning Justice. Restorative Justice Week 2011. Correctional Services Canada.
Restorative justice (RJ) for Nova Scotia young
offenders has been operational since 1999;
first as a series of regional pilot projects and
now as a permanent province-wide program
under the supervision of the Nova Scotia
Department of Justice. Cases can be diverted
from court by police or Crown prosecutors to
independent community agencies contracted
by the Province to facilitate restorative practices.
Judges can hold sentencing circles or refer
to the same community agencies for the
sentencing recommendation of a restorative
conference. Correctional officials can also make
such a referral. Virtually any offence where a
young offender is involved can be the subject
of restorative approaches (although there is a
moratorium on the use of restorative practices
in relation to domestic violence). Currently, RJ is
being extended on a pilot-project basis to adult
offenders. Restorative approaches are also
gaining support in schools, community service
contexts, and in the workplace. In other words,
RJ is becoming institutionalized in Nova Scotia
to such a degree that it merits serious and sustained study to determine whether it constitutes
a significant and effective re-visioning of justice
in the Province. (excerpt)
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