Volunteer with Restorative Justice

Volunteering with the Restorative Justice Program at Touchstone Family Association offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the Richmond community. 

The Richmond Restorative Justice Program, funded by the City of Richmond and partnering with the RCMP,  is a pre-charge diversion program primarily aimed at children and youth, who have come into conflict with the law. Restorative Justice is a community-based alternative to the traditional justice system.  

As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in facilitating restorative justice processes, helping victims and young offenders collaboratively address the harm caused by crime. This program emphasizes healing, accountability, and community building, providing an alternative approach to traditional punitive measures. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and gain valuable skills in facilitation, conflict resolution, and community engagement. By joining this program, you contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive, and supportive environment for all residents.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Restorative Justice Facilitators

Trained volunteers facilitate community justice forums which bring together the victim, offender and their families and supporters for a discussion about
the incident and how the harm can be repaired.

Volunteers are asked to commit up to 15 hours per month for a minimum of 12 months following acceptance into the program.

Restorative Justice Facilitators are responsible for:

• Interviewing victims and offenders
• Facilitating circle format forums bringing together victims, offenders, supporters and community members
• Writing Agreements and Summary Reports
• Attending Program Meetings and Events
• Participating in Training and Education workshops
• Promotion and Advocacy for Restorative Justice

Qualification requirements include:

• Excellent communication skills (Oral, written)
• Effective organization and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to treat clients with objectivity, fairness and respect
• Previous experience with at-risk youth and/or conflict resolution an asset
• Criminal Record Check required

Touchstone offers facilitators of restorative justice training and accreditation in the areas of facilitation, crisis prevention, first aid and more.

Translators

Sometimes translation services are required to facilitate communication by victims and offenders as well as during restorative circle forums.  Language services are often required in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Volunteer translators attend meetings with victims and offenders as well as facilitated restorative circle forums.

Volunteer opportunities are posted when available.

We currently have no openings.

Please check back with us for future postings.