FASD Restorative Justice Prevention and Court Diversion Program

Brief Description

FASD Restorative Justice Prevention and Court Diversion Program utilizes principles of Restorative Justice (RJ) to support the needs of individuals (12-24) with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD), in conflict with the law, or at risk. The program offers an alternative to traditional criminal justice system responses to improve outcomes for the FASD offender, the victim(s), and the community.

Goals

The main goals of the FASD Restorative Justice Prevention and Court Diversion Program are to:

• Build healthy communities
• Decrease crime and negative behaviour
• Repair harm and restore relationships

Specifically, this program aims to reduce the likelihood of an individual with FASD having negative interactions with RCMP/police and lowering the risk of criminal activity, which would lead to charges.

Clientele

The FASD Restorative Justice Prevention and Court Diversion Program serves youth with FASD, ages 12-24, who are in conflict with the law, or at risk.

Core Components

The FASD Restorative Justice Prevention and Court Diversion Program uses the following RJ practices when supporting individuals:

-       FASD assessment and diagnosis

-       FASD education and strategies training for individuals and their support team/caregivers

-       Caregiver support and attendance at police interviews/court

-       Advocacy and liaison work with RCMP, the criminal justice and corrections systems

-       Life skill development in areas such as self-esteem, healthy relationships, boundaries, social skills, domestic violence, decision making/problem-solving, substance use, supported attendance at school, employment, attendance at probation appointments, etc.

RJ is based on an understanding that crime is a violation of people, communities, and relationships. RJ encourages meaningful engagement and accountability and provides an opportunity for healing, reparation, and reintegration, reduces incarceration rates, recidivism, and costs, while increasing community involvement, restitution, and creating rehabilitative goals.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: Limited information on this topic.
• Partnerships: Central Alberta Public and Catholic Schools, Crown Attorney Office of Alberta, RCMP and Policing Units of Central Alberta, Group Homes (ex. Heritage Family Services, Vantage)
• Training and technical assistance: Limited information on this topic.
• Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
• Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

Red Deer and surrounding rural areas, Olds, Sundre, Rocky Mountain House, Drumheller, Stettler

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

No information available.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Website:

https://www.centralfasd.org/restorative-justice-program

Contact:

Julie Nanson-Ashton

jnanson@fasdca.ca