Mission Statement
RAMP is culturally sensitive with a focus on restorative justice principles. We promote respectful relationships and encourage harmony within our community.
Origins
and Goals |
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Origins and Goals
In April 1993, Regina Aboriginal Human Services Co-operative (RAHSC) was incorporated as a formal umbrella organization for a number of agencies in Regina, which were serving the various needs of the city's Aboriginal community.
One of the major RAHSC efforts was the establishment
of the Regina Alternative Measures Program (RAMP).
RAMP was created to parallel the goals and objectives of the Saskatchewan
government's Aboriginal Justice Strategy of 1993. The main objectives of this
Strategy were to:
1) develop a justice system perceived to be culturally
sensitive by Aboriginal offenders, victims and communities;
2) reduce the representation of Indian and Metis people in the justice system;
and
3) increase the proportion of Aboriginal people employed in the justice system.
In collaboration between the Saskatchewan Provincial and Federal Departments of Justice and the RAHSC, the Regina Alternative Measures Program began operations in September 1996.
An Advisory Committee comprised of 5 Community Justice Workers/Facilitators and representatives from Corrections and Public Safety, Saskatchewan and Aboriginal Justice, the John Howard Society, Regina Police Service, RCMP, Saskatchewan Mediation and the Chief Crown Prosecutor presently oversees the programs offered by the John Howard Society and RAMP.
Aside from the restorative justice processes that involve the community, RAMP also works in the community by providing educational presentations about restorative justice practices and by maintaining community partnerships with schools. As well, the annual Elders & Youth Sharing Symposium is another key partership. For further information on our partnerships, please visit our Educational and Community Programs page and our Elders page.
The federal and provincial governments have developed policies and guidelines regarding the use of alternative measures programs.
Federal Authority
In September 1996, a number of amendments were made to the Criminal Code. Bill C-41 authorized the use of community-based sentencing alternative and emphasized that incarceration should be used at last resort.
The use of alternative measures is authorized in section 717(1) of the Criminal Code. A similar provision respecting young offenders is found in the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Provincial Authority
Although the Criminal Code and the Youth Criminal Justice Act give legislative authority for alternative measures programs, it is the responsibility of the provinces to develop and regulate these programs.
In 1995, the Government of Saskatchewan developed the Restorative Justice Strategy and made a commitment to implement restorative justice principles into the justice system.
The Saskatchewan Justice Diversion Program Policy (1996) applies to alternative measures programs for adults while the Saskatchewan Social Services Diversion Program Policy (1997) applies to alternative measures programs for youth. Those policies define the purpose, authority, eligibility and exclusionary criteria of alternative measures programs.