Youth Diversion works with police, courts, the community and schools to keep young people with minor offenses out of the court system. Goal is for the young person to repair the harm done and be held accountable for the offense.

Restorative Justice/Youth Justice Committee offers an alternative way of thinking about crime and conflict. Challenges the community to look at youth justice differently, to respond to crime differently and to seek new solutions to restore balance after a crime has been committed.

• restorative justice focuses on holding the accused accountable in a meaningful way, repairing the harm caused by the offence and achieving a sense of healing for both the victim and the community
• involves a face-to-face meeting between the victim, the accused and members of the community, led by trained volunteer facilitators
• meeting helps the parties develop an understanding of the crime and each other, and of the steps needed to make amends
• in most cases participation in the program diverts youth from going through the Criminal Justice System

People interested in volunteering should contact Caitlin Burkholder, Volunteer Coordinator, 705-917-1377 cburkholder@jhsptbo.cm