Restorative Dialogue: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost for Restorative Dialogue?

There is no charge. MJRC is a not-for-profit organization which receives support from the Government of Alberta and the community. This allows us to offer our services free of charge.

How can Restorative Dialogue be requested or referred to?

In the criminal justice system, Restorative Dialogue may be accessed at any time from pre-charge through to post-sentence.

It can also be accessed where there have been no criminal charges laid, but the parties involved have still been harmed or impacted by behaviour.

Some examples of situations or people suitable for Restorative Dialogue are:

• Bullying in schools
• Families at risk for harm or violence (partners, parents, teens, elders)
• Employment or workplace situations where parties feel they are being mistreated

How does Restorative Dialogue work with the criminal justice system?

Restorative Dialogue is not a replacement or alternative to the existing criminal justice system. It works with the criminal justice system, along with other agencies and community organizations.

The criminal justice system may continue to proceed with charges, trial and sentencing. Restorative Dialogue runs parallel.

The victim and offender may have a Restorative Dialogue which results in outcomes or an agreement about the offender’s responsibility and what form that may take. The Court may or may not take this into consideration.

Restorative Dialogue may not be appropriate in some cases. For example, offenders who have mental health issues may be incapable of accepting responsibility for their actions or answering questions their victims want answered.

Is Restorative Dialogue a diversion program?

No. There are some features in common, but the aims are different.

Diversion programs aim to limit the offender's involvement with the criminal justice system by diverting an offender out at some stage in the process. Diversion is used specifically for first time offenders and less serious offences. Victim involvement is possible, but not necessary, for diversion programs.

Restorative Dialogue runs parallel to the criminal justice system, and focuses on victim participation, offender accountability, and reintegration into the community. It cannot happen without victim involvement.

Restorative Dialogue is a voluntary process - what does this mean?

All participants – victim, offender, supports, and community – must freely choose to join in Restorative Dialogue. They cannot be forced to enter or remain in the process. Any participant may withdraw from the process at any time, for any reason.

Does the dialogue have to be face-to-face?

No. To respect the needs of victims and offenders involved, alternate forms of communication between the parties can occur. Depending on the circumstances, there are other options, such as videotaped interviews, the exchange of written correspondence, shuttle dialogue or any combination of these options.

The most common form of communication in a Restorative Dialogue is a face-to-face meeting between the victim and offender.

Who are facilitators?

Facilitators are people with training and experience in restorative justice principles and the Restorative Dialogue process. Their role is to assist the process in a fair and unbiased way. Some facilitators also have additional training and experience in working with couples or families at risk for harm or violence.

Who is a support person?

A support person is anyone the parties invite to support them in the Restorative Dialogue process, and whose involvement or presence is accepted by the parties. A support person can be a family member, a friend, a professional working with either of the parties (counsellor, social worker, teacher, victim services advocate), or any other person acceptable to all parties in the process.

A support person is bound by the same vow of confidentiality as all other participants, and may or may not have an active role in the process.