ALBERTA
RESTORATIVE
JUSTICE
ASSOCIATION
WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?
Restorative Justice is a powerful approach to addressing harm by focusing on healing rather than punishment. When wrongdoing or injustice occurs, restorative practices bring together those affected — including victims, offenders, their support networks, justice agencies, and the broader community — to repair relationships, restore trust, and rebuild community well-being.
"Justice is not served until those who have been harmed are heard, those who have caused harm take responsibility, and the community is restored."
- Adapted from Restorative Justice Principles
Restorative Justice
A healing approach to harm,
rooted in connection
and accountability
Restorative justice recognizes that crime affects real people and relationships — not just laws.
It creates a space where those impacted can come together, be heard, take responsibility,
and work toward repair and reconciliation.
The Core of Restorative Justice
At the heart of restorative justice is a simple yet powerful principle: when harm, crime, or injustice occurs, the goal is to make things right — as much as possible — for everyone affected.
Our Approach to Repairing Harm
We focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships affected by conflict or wrongdoing.
This process brings together those impacted
— individuals and communities —
to foster healing, accountability, and meaningful resolution.
These efforts typically take place in one of two settings:
IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
A Meaningful Response to Crime
Within the justice system, this approach offers a constructive way of responding to crime. It focuses on addressing the harm experienced by victims, ensuring accountability from those responsible, and engaging those affected in addressing the consequences. Depending on the nature of the incident, the process may involve the victim, the offender, their support networks, justice professionals, and others impacted by the event.
IN A NON-CRIMINAL CONTEXT
Beyond the Justice System
Outside of the criminal justice context, this process can be used to address and repair harm in a wide range of situations involving interpersonal conflict or damaged relationships. The focus is on understanding the impact of one person’s actions and working together to address the consequences. In this setting, the term “person harmed” is used instead of “victim”, and “person responsible” or “harm doer" replaces “offender”, reflecting a more relational and inclusive approach.
These efforts typically take place in one of two settings:
IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
A Meaningful Response to Crime
Within the justice system, this approach offers a constructive way of responding to crime. It focuses on addressing the harm experienced by victims, ensuring accountability from those responsible, and engaging those affected in addressing the consequences. Depending on the nature of the incident, the process may involve the victim, the offender, their support networks, justice professionals, and others impacted by the event.
IN A NON-CRIMINAL CONTEXT
Beyond the Justice System
Outside of the criminal justice context, this process can be used to address and repair harm in a wide range of situations involving interpersonal conflict or damaged relationships. The focus is on understanding the impact of one person’s actions and working together to address the consequences. In this setting, the term “person harmed” is used instead of “victim”, and “person responsible” or “harm doer" replaces “offender”, reflecting a more relational and inclusive approach.
Principles of
Restorative
Justice
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04.
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Acknowledge harm and the needs of those affected.
Recognize and take responsibility for obligations arising from the harm.
Explore and address the root causes of harm.
Involve everyone impacted in the process.
Ensure fairness and consideration for all parties.
Work toward outcomes created through collaboration.
