Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mission Restorative Resolutions?
Restorative Resolutions provides Mission residents with a free community-based service where trained Community Facilitators assist people who have been in conflict or have experienced crime or harm, to facilitate individual accountability and restore harmony to the community. Facilitators support these people to express what needs have been created (or continue to exist), so they are able to decide together how to move forward safely. This includes agreeing to a meaningful response to the situation. Facilitators help keep a focus on providing a place for a conversation that is safe, confidential, inclusive, respectful, ethical and humble. MRR accepts referrals from the RCMP, Crown Counsel, School District 75 or directly from community members themselves. MRR accepts referrals for youth and adults.
Who are the Community Facilitators?
Community Facilitators are highly trained volunteers from Mission (and some surrounding areas) who participate in ongoing comprehensive training that provides them with the skills, knowledge and ability to assist others to proactively and peacefully resolve conflict. Working in teams of 2 or 3, they contribute their skills to building a stronger and more inclusive community, by assisting others in finding positive solutions to crime and conflict. Community Facilitators are neutral and do not counsel, advocate or negotiate for any party. These dedicated volunteers commit many hours to making the work of Restorative Resolutions possible, and come from diverse cultural and demographic backgrounds.
What does a restorative approach look like?
Restorative approaches place the needs of those most affected (usually by being hurt) at the centre of the process, empowering them to determine its pace, direction and desired outcome. Shifting the focus from blame and punishment to the restoration of individual and community harmony encourages everyone to be accountable for their behaviour and to learn from its impact on others. Individuals are asked to identify what they need (for example, this may including support services or restitution) and have the opportunity to ask questions directly of one another.
Community Facilitators meet with each participant and any person the participant chooses to have accompany and support them. If everyone chooses to proceed to a face-to-face meeting, once all the participants are ready to do so, a meeting will take place (please note – this is not necessarily always the outcome of a restorative process), and this meeting can take several hours. Sometimes people meet together more than once. The goal of these meetings is to talk about what happened and agree on what resolution is needed.
How long does this process take?
Community Facilitators are trained to provide services that are inclusive, ethical, respectful, humble and safe. As such, every process is different, tailored to the needs of all of the participants. Facilitators or MRR staff check with participants regularly to ensure they are voluntarily participating and assess when meetings can safely happen. This preparation takes time.
We are committed to providing timely service and balancing this with meeting the needs of all participants It is helpful when everyone is cooperative and treats the urgency of the meetings with the same respect they would afford legal proceedings. Of course, the best outcomes are expected when we can meet with everyone in a timely fashion.
The case or file is complete when the terms of that agreement are completed. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months from the time MRR first receives the referral depending on the circumstances.
What is a ‘circle’?
In every culture’s history is a time when people used the process of a “circle” to discuss and solve community conflict and problems; people came together with equality and respect to look forward and find solutions. Most recently, in Canada, we have been reminded of the usefulness of these processes by some of our First Nations peoples.
Each circle provides the opportunity for all participants to discuss expectations, around behaviour and outcomes. Often, the expectation is that people will
- Listen with respect; be open to being changed by what you hear
- Talk with respect – we may criticize behavior but not a person.
- Respect the talking piece – only the person holding the talking piece speaks
- Participate voluntarily
- Be honest and open with one another and take responsibility for your actions
- Allow space for everyone to share openly and honestly
- Honour confidentiality; what is said in the circle remains in the circle
- Be committed to staying present until a satisfactory outcome is agreed upon by all
Who will be there?
It is most important that those most affected by the incident be present in the circle, wherever possible. Sometimes it makes sense for people to bring others to support them. Community resource people sometimes participate also, with the permission of everyone present, based on the needs of those who are participating.
What will be expected of me, as a participant?
It is expected that each participant is able to understand, to the best of their ability, and be guided by, the principles of the circle outlined above. When participants are able to be truly committed to the process, and give fully of themselves, the benefits increase; that said, at times participants may find the conversations challenging and difficult. Community Facilitators are committed to supporting participants to continue their participation and discuss any challenges or concerns.
As a participant, what will I get from this?
The benefits of participating in restorative processes are great. You will have an opportunity to express how you were affected by an incident, have any questions you may have answered, and come to an agreement about how to move forward. This process is intended and designed to lead to greater safety, control and learning. For some participants, restitution is made. For others, a chance to take responsibility for their behaviour and make amends can be an important step in moving forward towards being responsible, productive community members. For many, a chance to be heard, and supported, can be transforming.
What kinds of crime and conflict can be addressed through restorative approaches?
MRR receives voluntary referrals from the RCMP, School District #75, the District of Mission, as well as Mission residents who can self-refer. There are no restrictions placed on accessing the service (people of any age may qualify, for example), and situations are assessed based on the individual willingness, and likelihood of a safe and successful outcome. This is a whole community service. If you would like support in resolving a conflict at home, at work or elsewhere in the community, we are here to help, and welcome your inquiries.
Does it work?
Yes. Many studies demonstrate that restorative justice programs have had a significant positive impact on the safety, health and level of satisfaction of people in the communities in which they have been practiced. For these and other reasons, restorative justice supporters across Canada include victims’ advocates, the police and judiciary, the education system, members of faith communities, community volunteers, health services and other community resources.
What is in a Resolution Agreement?
The people most involved in the situation decide what goes into the Resolution Agreement. For example, some agreements include:
- participating in drug and alcohol counseling
- volunteering in the community
- apologizing, either in writing or through a heartfelt conversation
- restitution, either symbolic or real through monies or property replacement
- Good Neighborhood Agreements
- continuing or returning to educational pursuits
Often an agreement is reached outlining how the parties will interact in the future. Other community- based solutions are sometimes included, and the scope of the agreement is limited only by the creativity of the participants, and the practicality and prediction of success; the goal is that the group will determine how people will move forward towards positive change, supported directly and indirectly by those participating in the restorative process. Often everyone involved in the situation has a role to play in the agreement, either through meeting a commitment to balance an obligation that was created by the harm, or in supporting others to meet those obligations.
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
Restorative Resolutions recruits Community Facilitators regularly to assist in providing this community service. Community Facilitators receive an initial 100 hours of core training, regular follow-up training and assistance to enhance their skills in conflict resolution, communication skills and self-awareness. We invite interested people to contact our office to learn about this opportunity.