Diversion program for young offenders ‘eye-opening’
Pearl Lorentzen
Lakeside Leader
After over 25 years of working with young offenders, the Slave Lake Youth Justice Committee is adopting a restorative justice model.
The main difference is circles instead of panels, Jean Twin, YJC volunteer, says.
For the most part, the YJC is successful, Twin says. Most offenders channeled through the program don’t end up back in court.
The YJC is a diversion program for offenders between 12 and 18 years old.
Diversion means finding a solution that doesn’t result in a criminal record or jail time, Twin says. There is also a diversion program for adults which is handled through probation. The crown prosecutor decides if offenders are eligible for diversion.
The committee started in the early 1990s. In the early 2000s, the committee became less active. Kim Tanasiuk joined in 2010 or 11, when the committee picked up again.
Tanasiuk describes her first panel as “eye opening.” Being on the Youth Justice Committee showed her the different influences and factors behind the youth’s decision to break the law.
“It’s heartbreaking some of the things they encounter,” Tanasiuk says.
Kuranda Bellerive is in her second year of volunteering.
“I grew up here,” Bellerive says. “I watched lots of kids grow up here. I want them to look at me as a role model. You can be successful in a small town.”
Bellerive is interested in giving kids a second chance.
The committee currently has around 12 members, but not all of them are available all of the time, Twin says.
The committee is transitioning from its old format to a new restorative justice format based on an Indigenous circle model.
Sandra Prokopiw from the solicitor generals office told the committee, that the new training is so different that they should throw out their old training manuals.
In February, Tanasiuk and Bellerive attended a three-day intensive course on restorative justice facilitation.
Another new member is familiar with restorative justice from her time in BC.
The goal is to “keep them from getting a record,” Tanasiuk says. “For them to accept, they’ve caused harm.”
True Dialogue taught the restorative justice training. It defines restorative justice as a “non-adversarial, non-retributive approach to justice that focuses on meaningful accountability and reparation of harm through involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safe communities.”
Non-adversarial means creating a safe space, Tanasiuk says. To create this safe space the youth can chose to leave at any time, everyone sits in a circle and everyone gets a chance to speak. Committee members facilitate the conversation of the impacted parties, instead of actively engaging in the conversation.
A change from the old system is that the new system recommends including the victim in the discussion.
Non-retributive means it’s not about punishment, instead it’s about rebuilding relationships through actions or sanctions decided on by the whole circle.
“The youth has to take responsibility and admit that their actions caused harm,” Tanasiuk says.
The plan is to get a trainer out to train the whole group on this new approach in Slave Lake, in the fall.
The committee tries to connect the sanctions or actions with the youths’ interests.
One young person wrote and performed a rap song, Tanasiuk said.
This year has been slow. Tanasiuk and Bellerive haven’t had a chance to use the new restorative justice model.
As of August, 27, YJC had their first file of the year on their desk. This was a large drop from 2018, when they worked with six female and four male youth.
“Even with criminal court, youth numbers are down,” says Valerie Sinclair, YJC volunteer.
The committee is looking for a new Elder and other volunteers. Volunteers can be anyone in the community, who pass a criminal record and CWIS (child welfare) check. Criminal record checks are available at the RCMP detachment and the CWIS is available at Slave Lake Children’s Services.
The committee meets monthly, except during the summer, and when the need arises for restorative justice circles.
The next meeting is September 10 at 5 p.m. at Native Counselling 220 2 Ave. SW, Slave Lake.
People interested in learning more can contact the committee through Native Counselling Services at 780-849-4914.
