Restorative Dialogue Principles

MRJC’s Restorative Dialogue program is guided by the following principles.

  1. Participation is based on informed consent; all parties must knowingly agree to the process.
  2. Participation is voluntary for both the victim and offender.
  3. Consent to participate may be withdrawn by either party at any stage in the process.
  4. Dignity, respect and fair treatment are all important to participation, along with recognizing the harm caused.
  5. The safety and security of the participants is ensured at all stages of the process.
  6. Cultural and diversity factors and power imbalances are taken into account at all stages of the process.
  7. The facts must support a criminal charge and prosecution must not be barred at law.
  8. The parties must accept as true the essential facts of the crime, and the offender must be willing to take responsibility for the crime and harm done to the victim.
  9. Confidentiality is maintained.
  10. Any agreement reached by the parties must be entered into voluntarily.