Justice program hires new executive director

Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice Program has a new executive director who wants to make more people aware that the program is available.

Jo Phillips said the program started as a grassroots effort about three years ago and it's now looking to expand and serve more people this year.

The community-based alternative to the traditional justice system brings together the victim with the person who did the harm to address the harm. The program can be used post-conviction or to divert cases from the justice system.

Youth and adult cases can be referred to the program by police, Alberta Crown Prosecutors Office and schools. Those who are harmed can also contact the program, but the person responsible for the harm must ultimately choose to participate.

Phillips said victims of less serious crimes don't usually have the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement in court.

"We do want people to know that this is an option, that they can approach the restorative justice program as individuals," said Phillips, who took over as executive director on Monday.

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Long-term goals of the program are to reduce recidivism, lower crime rates, optimize court use, contribute towards a cost-effective justice system, and help individuals feel safe and connected to their communities.

The program currently serves Red Deer and Lacombe Counties but is open to referrals from Red Deer and is ready to serve all of Central Alberta, said Phillips, who co-founded Jo(e) Social Media Inc. and has a psychology degree from the University of Calgary.

"Please reach out to us if you have questions or if you think that this would be a program that would be valuable."

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Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice Program is a non-profit organization funded through a provincial grant and sponsors.

Program partners include Blackfalds RCMP - K Division, Lacombe Police Services, Bashaw RCMP, Rimbey RCMP, Red Deer Polytechnic, Central Alberta Victim Services, Red Deer County, Lacombe County and Alberta Rural Crime Watch.