Restorative Justice Program

WHAT WE DO
We use restorative practices to keep young people out of the justice system and help them work towards a more positive future. Research has overwhelmingly shown the harmful effects of charging and punishing youth. Young people who are charged are less likely to succeed in school or find stable employment and are more likely to reoffend. Our responses to adolescent misbehaviour must meet the needs of young people, support their development, and empower them to build on their strengths and capabilities. Peacebuilders’ Restorative Justice programs provide young people with access to justice and diverting them out of the courts before trial. Since 2004, Peacebuilders has run a restorative court-diversion program for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 charged with criminal offences. Our Restorative Justice programs are designed to help young people overcome conflict and reach their full potential.

Restorative Youth Circles

Peacebuilders' Restorative Youth Circles (RYC) Program

The Restorative Youth Circles (RYC) program is a restorative court-diversion initiative for young people between the ages of 12 and 18. RYC invites youth in conflict with the law, and when appropriate, their families, community members, and other individuals impacted by the conflict to participate in a restorative justice process.

RYC is designed to determine the underlying factors that led to the conflict, assess the extent of the young person’s responsibility, and help the young person develop resolutions to make amends and work towards a more positive future.

Program Evaluation

Our Restorative Youth Circles program has been evaluated by Dr. Scot Wortley, Professor and Acting Director of the Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies and Graduate Coordinator at the University of Toronto.

How it works

1. Intake Interview & Needs Assessment

  • 45 min – 1hr 
  • Location: 311 Jarvis Street, Youth Court, Room 150 
  • Parents/supportive individuals are encouraged to attend
  • The interview is confidential 
  • Required documents: police synopsis and bail conditions

2. Peer  Circles (6 sessions)

  • Weekly after school sessions 
  • Location: MLSE Launchpad at 259 Jarvis Street 
  • Peer-led conversations about Circle Values facilitated by
    RYC staff 
  • Recreational activities supported by the
    MLSE Launchpad
  • Dinner and tokens provided 

3. Individual Circles & Personal Reflection (6 sessions)

  • Weekly after school sessions 
  • Location: Various locations around downtown Toronto
  • 2 Circle Keepers assigned to each case 
  • The young person reflects on the conflict in a safe and supportive environment
  • The young person prepares a personal reflection for the court

4. Report to the Court

  • Justice Program Manager and Circle Keepers prepare a report outlining the young person’s progress and relevant circumstances 
  • Staff and Circle Keepers accompany the youth to the final court date 
  • Report and personal reflection are shared with the court, including  defence counsel, Crown attorney and referral source 

Key Information

Who Is Eligible

RYC works with court-involved youth between the ages of 12 and 18. We provide assistance to youth who are required to appear at the following court locations:

  • 311 Jarvis Street
  • 2201 Finch Avenue West
  • 1911 Eglinton Avenue East
Referrals

Youth can be referred to our program in the following ways:

  • Informal Diversion: Includes self-referral and referrals from lawyers, Crown, judge, police, teachers, family, community organizations, etc.
  • EJS (Extrajudicial Sanctions): Referred by Crown and probation.
Contact Information

For further program information, referrals, and intake, please contact:

Lorna Richards, Restorative Justice Programs Manager
(647) 338-6777 | lrichards@peacebuilders.ca

Restoring Hope: An Evaluation of the Restorative Youth Circles Program

In 2021, a comprehensive evaluation of Peacebuilders’ Restorative Justice Programs was conducted by Scot Wortley, Professor of Criminology at the University of Toronto, revealing an amazingly positive impact that the program has had on youth participants.

Executive Summary
Court Support
Court Support Services

Our court support workers are trained in the youth court process and have many years of experience working with court personnel.

Our Staff Provide the Following Support:
  • Information and Guidance: Give you and your family clear information about the court process, the various services available at the court, legal aid, and assistance on how to find a lawyer.
  • Court Accompaniment: Accompany you through the court process, including court sessions and meetings, to help you understand court proceedings and plan your next steps.
  • Connection to Community Services: Help connect you with community services and supports, such as education, housing, counseling, and employment.