The Innisfail Restorative Justice Society is getting $20,000 in funding for training and updating their materials.
The announcement was made on March 16 by Jonathan Denis, the solicitor-general and minister of public security and Verlyn Olson, the attorney-general and minister of justice. Innisfail is among 11 organizations across the province getting funds.
J.J. Beauchamp, the vice chair and program coordinator for the local society, said the group is excited to have the funds reestablished after receiving similar grants in previous years.
"This year was cancelled and we got it back," Beauchamp said.
He said it seemed the funding for restorative justice societies across the province had been cancelled due to cutbacks.
"There was a big uproar," Beauchamp said.
Restorative justice is a system in which the offenders go to a forum with the victims and members of the community to learn the impact of their crimes and to establish a community-based retribution. Completing the program often means avoiding a criminal record for the offenders.
"Restorative justice organizations strengthen our communities," said Jonathan Denis, the solicitor-general and minister of public safety, in a March 16 release covering the funding announcement.
"Restorative justice not only helps victims heal but also offers offenders the chance to take responsibility and understand the human impact of their actions," said Verlyn Olson, the attorney-general and minister of justice, in the same release.
The Innisfail Restorative Justice Society has been operating since 1996 and has seen great success in its program. The society was highlighted during the funding announcement for its achievements.
"We were in the limelight," Beauchamp said. "There's other places in Alberta that are doing good."
The $20,000 the Innisfail society is getting is just part of the $351,000 being handed out around the province. Beauchamp explained what the group will use their grant for.
"Most of it is for promoting restorative justice, training, open house(s) Ö part of it is for conferences," Beauchamp said. He added some of the grant will be used to help cover costs incurred by volunteers for things like gas.
"People don't mind giving their time," Beauchamp said, but continued that "there's limits" when it comes to spending a lot of money out of one's own pocket.
"The grant keeps us alive," Beauchamp said. The $20,000 doesn't mean the organization doesn't still need more support.
"We're not flush with cash Ö it's accounted for before you get it," he said. "You always need more money."
The group completed 131 cases in 2011 and is off to a good start in 2012 with 18 completed or on the go.
Beauchamp said the group has "outstanding people" volunteering. They are looking for more volunteers. A training weekend is coming up in April, running from the evening of April 13 to April 15.
"The training is free," Beauchamp said. The sessions will run at the Dr. George/Kemp House on April 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 14 and 15. Food will be supplied for the volunteer trainees.
To get more information about the training or the Innisfail Restorative Justice Society in general, contact Beauchamp at 403-227-4156 or by email, [email protected].
