The Department of Community Services and Attorney General is pleased to participate in "Restorative Justice Week in Canada," planned for November 15-21, focusing on the theme, "Is there a better way?"
Restorative Justice Week is an opportunity to examine issues regarding high-risk offenders. Discussions during the week will focus on the principles of restorative justice; the needs of victims and their families; and the needs of communities, offenders and their families.
Restorative justice is not one program or service, but a way of thinking – a statement of values. Restorative justice is a different way of responding to crime and victimization focusing on communications and problem-solving, healing and accountability. Restorative justice is about individuals, including victims, communities and governments, working together from a shared philosophy.
The theme for the week is intended to inspire citizens, communities and partners in the justice system to consider if there are better strategies to deal with high-risk offenders in PEI communities. Since nearly all offenders sentenced to imprisonment eventually return to the community, the week of activities will address whether "there is a better way" to ensure people and communities are safe.
To address this question, and to improve strategies to manage this offender group, justice and community organizations have planned four public events during Restorative Justice Week.
A number of partners in the community collaborated to organize this special week of workshops. The Correctional Service of Canada, police, Restorative Justice Committee of the Conflict Resolution Co-op, Community Legal Information Association, Charlottetown Christian Council, and Department of Community Services and Attorney General have cooperated in planning the following events.
Sunday, November 15 – Ecumenical Service and Reception at St. Peter's Cathedral, Charlottetown, beginning at 6:30 pm. To kick-off Restorative Justice Week, everyone is invited to attend an ecumenical service and reception with guest Hugh Kirkegaard, a Chaplain with the Correctional Service of Canada. Mr. Kirkegaard will emphasize the importance of building community support for high- risk offenders The service starts at 6:30 pm. Everyone welcome.
Monday, November 16 – Workshop on Managing High-risk Offenders in the Community, Justice Institute/Atlantic Police Academy, Summerside beginning at 9 am. Presenters will focus on risk assessment and case planning and the supports needed to manage high-risk offenders in the community. Hugh Kirkegaard, Chaplain with Correctional Service of Canada; Bruce Elwood, Deputy Police Chief, Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police; and Randall Fletcher, Sexual Deviance Assessment and Treatment Program will discuss high-risk offenders, Circles of Support and community safety. The workshop, from 9:00 to 12:00 in Summerside is for professionals and community volunteers with an interest in restorative justice. For information and to pre-register call Community Services and Attorney General at 368-6619.
Monday, November 16 – Public Forum: High-risk Offenders in the Community, at the Coles Building, Richmond Street, beginning at 7 pm. A panel presentation with Hugh Kirkegaard, Chaplain Correctional Service of Canada; Bruce Elwood, Deputy Police Chief, Hamilton Wentworth; Randall Fletcher, Sexual Deviance Assessment and Treatment Program; Anne Nicholson, Rape Crisis Centre, will be followed by discussion. Everyone welcome. For information contact Community Legal Information Association (CLIA) at 892-0853.
Tuesday, November 17 – Developing Circles of Support at Spring Park United Church Parlour, beginning at 7:00 pm. Community volunteers and criminal justice staff are invited to learn how to develop Circles of Support for high-risk offenders in the community, with guests – Hugh Kirkegaard, Chaplain with Correctional Service of Canada; and Bruce Elwood, Deputy Police Chief, Hamilton-Wentworth Police. For information and to pre-register leave a message at 626-3544.
It is intended these sessions will promote further understanding of the many issues involved in assessing, supervising and managing high-risk offenders. In addition, discussions will focus on more effective ways to prevent crime in Prince Edward Island.
For more information contact: Phil Arbing at (902) 368-6619.