A West Shore volunteer-led program helping first-time low-risk offenders avoid conviction and make amends with their victims has noted a "year of successB次元官网网址�.

Between January to November 2024, from 38 investigations, a total of 56 offenders B次元官网网址� 24 adults and 32 youths B次元官网网址� were referred to the West Shore Restorative Justice program, said the West Shore RCMP in a news release.

According to the RCMP, the vast majority of the offenders were arrested for theft under $5,000.

The program encourages the accused to take ownership of their actions and agree to reparations with the victims of their crime, thereby diverting offenders away from criminal courts.

Facilitated by volunteers, restorative justice forums are held to decide how the offender can repair the harm.

So far in 2024, offenders have completed 408 community service hours; $900 in financial restitution has collected; and approximately $9,422 worth of stolen merchandise has ben recovered and returned to the business/owner.

The highlights have been shared to mark Restorative Justice Week 2024, which runs between Nov. 17 to 24.

B次元官网网址淲e are very proud of the work being done by West Shore Restorative Justice,B次元官网网址� said Randie Johal, Restorative Justice coordinator in a news release. B次元官网网址淭his continues to be an effective tool in diverting first-time low-risk offenders away form the criminal justice system.B次元官网网址�

Both the victim and the accused must agree to take part in the voluntary program, otherwise the case is referred back into the criminal justice system.

The program diverted 62 accused persons away from the criminal justice system in 2023.