Restorative Justice Programs
The Restorative Justice Program helps those impacted or potentially impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) who have frequent interactions with police and the criminal justice system.
This can include risk of charges, current charges in the court process or individuals that have been charged and are now serving their sentence.
Our team provides individuals with FASD the necessary resources to navigate the criminal justice system while ensuring their rights are protected and their strengths acknowledged.
Our team assists to provide advocacy to RCMP, police services, crown prosecutors, defense attorneys, and caregivers/ supports. All programs within the Central Alberta FASD Network are client-led and voluntary.
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Restorative Diversion
The Restorative Diversion initiative is for individuals impacted by FASD who have frequent interactions with police, are engaging in harmful activity, or those who have been harmed by crime, to foster healing and reparation. Utilizing restorative practices, we offer restorative justice circles or conferences, which includes the one who harms, the one who is harmed, and others impacted by the crime and harm committed, to support and develop opportunity for healing and restoration of relationships.
Court Diversion
Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often feel overwhelmed and have difficulties navigating the legal system. This can lead to challenges in understanding the process, communicating effectively, and complying with court conditions. These challenges, in turn, can lead to misunderstanding, misinterpretations, and negative outcomes in court proceedings. The Court Diversion program recognizes the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with FASD and provides them with the support and guidance required.
The program assists individuals with connecting to community resources such as legal professionals, mental health professionals, and other relevant experts. By working collaboratively, this ensures that the individuals’ strengths, interests, and needs are considered throughout the court process, which can include advocacy for supportive informed sentencing. Referrals to the Court Diversion initiative can be made through legal representation but must be approved by Crown.
The program typically involves a screening process to ensure that the individual is or may be impacted by FASD and have charges that are deemed eligible for diversion by the Crown.
Transitional Mentorship &
In-Reach - Institutional Support
Our Justice program extends beyond just those in the community. We are active in providing In-Reach/ Transitional Mentorship services within our local service area institutions including Bowden, Drumheller and the Red Deer Remand Center. Through this program, our team works closely with individuals who have been incarcerated to provide FASD education, FASD assessment and diagnosis, and provide necessary services to support a successful transition back into the community upon release.
Our In-Reach support ensures individuals receive a continuum of care between incarceration and reintegration into community, ensuring they have access to the supports they need to become successful members of society. The importance of this program cannot be overstated, as individuals exiting correctional institutions are at a higher risk of being stigmatized, marginalized, and isolated from society.
Without proper support, many individuals may struggle to reintegrate into society, leading to an increased likelihood of recidivism. Referrals for the program are completed through parole officers or by self referral in the institutions.”
Restorative Diversion
The principles of Restorative Practices emphasize the importance of improving and repairing relationships between people and communities. The purpose is to build healthy communities, decrease crime and negative behavior, repair harm and restore relationships.
Transitional Mentorship Program
Institutional Support
Our Restorative Justice program extends beyond just those in the community. We are also active in providing Transitional Mentorship/In-Reach correctional support within our local service area institutions including Bowden, Drumheller and the Red Deer Remand Center.
Court Diversion
The Court Diversion program recognizes the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with FASD and provides them with the support and guidance required. The program assists individuals with connecting to community resources such as legal professionals, mental health professionals, and other relevant experts.
Within the Restorative Justice program, we have three key initiatives that aim to reduce the frequency of police and criminal justice interaction, assist individuals to navigate the criminal justice system, and provide case planning to support incarcerated individuals with a successful transition back into the community.