A human-centered approach to justice
South Shore Community Justice Society is a non-profit organization responsible for administering the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice views crime as more than breaking the law – it also causes harm to people, relationships, and the community. So a just response must address those harms as well as the wrongdoing.
Restorative justice takes a relational approach in response to crime. It is based on and guided by the following principles:
Relationally focused
Attention to interconnection, seeking to understand and promote just relations between individuals, groups and communities
Comprehensive and holistic
Takes into account histories, contexts and causes of harm and its impacts.
Inclusive and participatory
Culturally grounded and trauma informed, attentive to the needs of parties and the safety and well-being of participants.
Responsive
Contextual, flexible practice, accessible, efficient and effective processes, informed by data and knowledge.
Collaborative and non-adversarial
Among parties to the process and system and community partners.
Forward-focused
Educative (not punitive), problem-solving, preventative and proactive.