Lets get the government to use restorative justice to address the crime problem in Toronto

What is restorative justice? Restorative justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behaviour. It is best accomplished through cooperative processes that include all stakeholders. Practices and programs reflecting restorative purposes will respond to crime by: identifying and taking steps to repair harm, involving all stakeholders, and transforming the traditional relationship between communities and their governments in responding to crime. Some of the programmes and outcomes typically identified with restorative justice include: Victim offender mediation Conferencing Circles Victim assistance Ex-offender assistance Restitution Community service Three principles form the foundation for restorative justice: Justice requires that we work to restore those who have been injured. Those most directly involved and affected by crime should have the opportunity to participate fully in the response if they wish. Government's role is to preserve a just public order, and the community's is to build and maintain a just peace. Restorative programmes are characterized by four key values: Encounter: Create opportunities for victims, offenders and community members who want to do so to meet to discuss the crime and its aftermath Amends: Expect offenders to take steps to repair the harm they have caused Reintegration: Seek to restore victims and offenders to whole, contributing members of society Inclusion: Provide opportunities for parties with a stake in a specific crime to participate in its resolution About Humber Community and Justice Services The Community and Justice Services program focuses on both the community and the institutional sectors of the criminal justice system. As students we are taught to explore the development of community programs, restorative justice initiatives and preventative measures. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on the practice of interpersonal, problem solving and assessment skills. The mission of this program is to create a strong community link between justice and community. Our mission as Community and Justice Service Students: As future representatives of the justice field we would like to see further implementation of restorative justice. The goal of Restorative Justice is to repair harm and not victimize victims and offenders. By using restorative justice offenders are able to take accountability for their actions and better understand how their actions have affected the community; victims of crime are also able to gain closure from their experience. This petition is being created to let our government know that increasing taxes, building institutions, and over policing has not proven to be an effective way to deal with the crime problem, incarceration simply masks the issue, Also, all offenders are eventually released without life the skills needed to become positive members of the community. Source cited: http://www.restorativejustice.org/university-classroom/01introduction