What is Restorative Opportunities?
Restorative Opportunities is a Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) program that offers people that were harmed by crime an opportunity to communicate with the offender who harmed them.
The program is based on the principles of restorative justice that focus on addressing the harm caused by crime and meeting the needs of those involved. Through Restorative Opportunities, victims can tell the offender how the crime affected them and identify ways to address, where possible, the damage caused by the offender’s actions. For offenders, the program helps them take responsibility for their actions, while promoting empathy for victims, reparation, and prevention of future harm.
How does it work?
Restorative Opportunities can take many forms and is guided by participants’ needs.
With the help of an experienced mediator, participants can meet face to face or communicate in writing or by video message. Mediators can also relay messages between participants.
Participation in the program is voluntary at all stages, for everyone involved. Offender participation is not related to any sentencing or parole decisions.
Mediators work with all participants to find ways to identify and address their needs. They are mindful of the participant’s physical and emotional well-being throughout the process and conduct ongoing assessments that consider their safety and privacy.
Who are the mediators?
CSC hires and trains mediators from across Canada who are experienced in working with serious crime.
How can it benefit participants?
It allows victims to:
- tell their story
- see that the offender understands the impact of their crime
- find answers to questions that are important to them
- identify what, if anything, can be done to repair the harm they’ve experienced
It allows offenders to:
- tell their story
- acknowledge and accept responsibility for the harm they caused
- express remorse
- repair the harm, where possible
Forgiveness is not the goal or expected result of the Restorative Opportunities program. It may occur in some cases but, it is not explored unless the participants specifically identify it as one of their needs.
Who can ask to participate?
People harmed by an offender who is serving a sentence of two years or more can ask to participate. This includes victims (registered and non-registered), victim representatives, family members of the victim, and family members of the offender.
Offenders serving a sentence of two years or more who are willing to take responsibility for their actions can also ask to participate by speaking to their parole officer, chaplain, psychologist or other CSC staff member who will forward the request on their behalf.