Restorative Justice Process

RAMP was established as a restorative justice process, delivered by Aboriginal people, for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who come into conflict with the law. RAMP brings people and resources together in an effort to repair the harm that has been done with the commission of an offense. This process is a viable alternative to the formal court process.

RAMP Referral Process	Surrogate Victims
Program Options	Program Assessment
Outcome Options	Guiding Criteria
Victim Involvement	RAMP is a Volunteer Program

RAMP Referral Process

Referrals to RAMP are made on three levels: pre, post, and community.

When the Crown Prosecutor or Police refer cases to RAMP, either before or after charges have been formally laid, a number of factors must be considered, including:
"Does the offender accept responsibility for their actions?"

"Is the offender associated with a "failed" RAMP case within the previous six months?
If the answer is "yes" to the first question, and "no" to the second, RAMP may then accept the referral.

Each case is considered on an individual basis. Once a referral has been accepted, RAMP would then make contact with all parties involved, which typically includes the offender, victim, and their respective families.

Offender Criteria:

• Adult;
• Sufficient evidence to support the charge;
• The adult is referred to the program by a Crown prosecutor, having assessed the circumstances to ensure that the referral is not barred by law or policy;
• The offender acknowledges responsibility for the behavior;
• Diverted not more than twice in the last three years;
• No failed diversion in the last six months;
• No substantial record of similar offences or recent charges.

Excluded Offences:

• Incident involving the use of or threatened use of a weapon;
• Violence against the person cases (adult or child), where the Crown elects to proceed by way of indictment;
• Child sexual abuse cases;
• Sexual assault cases, where the Crown elects to proceed by way of indictment;
• Perjury;
• Driving while disqualified;
• All Criminal Code driving offences where alcohol was a contributing factor;
• Any federal offences other than Criminal Code;
• Family violence cases.

Program Options

If all parties (Victim and Offender) agree to participate, RAMP will then assess the case and determine which of the program options would best suit the needs of the victim and the offender. Some of the RAMP options include:

• Victim / Offender Mediation
• Community Justice Forums
• Community Justice Circles

Outcome Options

Outcomes may include:

• A referral for counselling
• Attendance of a program such as Stop-Lift, Anger Management, or Elder Consult
  Community Justice Forums are recognized as being the preferred option for young offenders, with mediation being the most common alternative measure for adult offenders.

Victim Involvement

RAMP is a victim sensitive program that makes great effort to engage victims while accommodating victims' needs. RAMP staff are required to complete some training with respect to victim sensitivity.
Regina Police Services - A specific pamphlet for victims was created by RAMP in consultation with the Regina Police Service - Victim Services Unit and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Victim Unit.

Surrogate Victims

Whenever a victim is not able to participate, a surrogate victim volunteer will represent the victim. Having surrogate victims participate helps ensure the facilitator's neutrality during the restorative justice process and provides community input into the process. Surrogate Victim Training is provided and a Surrogate Victim Policy has been developed.

Program Assessment

The guidelines of assessment are followed under the accordance with the Ministerial Order Section 717 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, and under Section 10 (2) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The assessments and case reviews are conducted with the John Howard Society and RAMP on a bi-weekly basis. The John Howard Society and RAMP divide youth files, with the data of each file being entered into the RAMP data system.

Guiding Criteria

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.
RAMP is a Voluntary Program
It is important to note that RAMP is strictly a voluntary program, and none of the parties involved are required to participate.