Restorative Justice Project


Incorporating cultural understandings and traditional teachings in enhancing our Restorative Justice approaches to repairing the harm of criminal offences. Restorative Justice Project offers a series of recidivism prevention capacity-building programs, cultural workshops, mediation, mentorship, leadership, teachings circles and counselling sessions, addiction referrals to aid in the healing and reparation of harm.

Image

DIVERSE NEEDS

To meet the diverse needs of racialized Black and Muslim youth in custody.

Image

SUPPORT

To provide support to those who are struggling in the community to help improve their prospects

A big thank you to all our funders.

Image
Image

Project Overview

RYJ will address certain criminal matters through resolutions that promote healing, reparation and re-integration into the community. RYJ is designed to divert Black and Muslim youth aged 12–21 away from the criminal justice system. This model seeks to make full use of community resources to address the underlying causes of crime. The program also seeks to influence decision makers to streamline funding to those programs proven to be effective in addressing the root causes of crime.

  • RYJ will also engage youth ages 12-21 years old and their families, help them better navigate and connect with support services in their communities.
  • RYJ strives to build the capacity of our youth participants to divert them from crime.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • we provide prevention programs such as cultural mentorship, recreation, leadership, and digital literacy.
  • Bilal Community and Family Centre incorporates cultural understandings and traditional teachings in enhancing our Restorative Justice approaches to repairing the harm of criminal offences.

RYJ offers a series of recidivism prevention capacity-building programs, cultural workshops, mediation, mentorship, leadership, teachings circles and counselling sessions, addiction referrals to aid in the healing and reparation of harm. Our end goal with these services is to prevent recidivism and to help those in conflict with the law make positive choices and find a healthy path in life.

MAIN FOCUS OF RYJ:

  • Prevention and diversion activities at entry stages to the youth criminal justice system.
  • Provide culturally based restorative justice practices for those in conflict with the law, support for those harmed and promotion of reconciliation with the goal of restoring balance and safety to our communities.
  • Develop effective rehabilitation programs and offer services that are culturally specific
  • Develop strategies to address specific offending behavior among youth and reasons for entering the criminal justice system.
  • Strengthen networking and partnership.
  • Better partnership work amongst police justice system and ethno-cultural organizations to address crime, systematic racism, reducing re-offending and providing diversion program which is culturally appropriate.
  • Help parents understand the preventive measures to prevent youth crimes and understand their rights and responsibilities in the youth criminal justice system.

Project Overview

The Restorative Youth Justice (RYJ) program at Bilal Community and Family Centre (BCFC) is a culturally grounded initiative designed to divert Black youth aged 12–21 from the criminal justice system by addressing the root causes of crime and promoting community healing, reparation, and reintegration.

Previously scaled back due to funding limitations and operated on a volunteer-led basis, RYJ has now been fully revitalized through a generous contribution from the Foundation for Black Communities. This renewed investment has enabled the hiring of two new staff members and the expansion of the program’s intake and service delivery capacity. 

The Restorative Youth Justice Project leverages community-based resources to support youth and their families in navigating social services and building long-term resiliency. By embedding cultural understandings and traditional teachings into its restorative justice framework, the program offers an inclusive and effective approach to rehabilitation and crime prevention.

Key Components:

  • Diversion and Prevention: Focused on early intervention, RYJ engages youth at initial stages of contact with the justice system to prevent further involvement.

  • Restorative Justice Practices: Offers culturally based alternatives to traditional punitive models, emphasizing healing for both the person harmed and the individual responsible.

  • Family Engagement and Support Navigation: Helps youth and their families access appropriate services and understand their rights and responsibilities.

  • Capacity Building and Recidivism Prevention: Provides mentorship, cultural workshops, digital literacy, recreation, leadership development, talking circles, and counselling. Addiction referrals are also available for those in need.

  • Advocacy for Communities and Creating Systemic Change: RYJ works to influence decision-makers, advocate for sustained investment in culturally relevant crime prevention programs, and strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, justice institutions, and ethno-cultural organizations.

Main Focus Areas:

  • Early intervention and diversion from the youth criminal justice system

  • Restorative justice practices to promote reconciliation and restore community safety

  • Rehabilitation programs rooted in cultural knowledge and practice

  • Addressing specific offending behaviors and their social drivers

  • Strengthening cross-sector partnerships to address systemic racism and reduce reoffending

  • Parental education on youth justice rights and preventive strategies

The Restorative Youth Justice program is committed to helping youth make positive life choices and supporting their journey toward healing, accountability, and empowerment.

Learn more about the program from our amazing teamThe Restorative Justice program at BCFC

Watch Full Video