Program 03 — Community & Restorative Services
Community &Restorative Services
Circle processes, advocacy, and liaison work grounded in listening, responsibility, and repairing harm.
- Restorative Justice Circle
- Peacemaking Circle
- Liaison services
- Advocacy services
About this program
What thisprogram is
Restorative justice starts from a simple idea: harm is done between people, so healing should happen between people. A circle brings together those affected, with supportive community members, to talk about what happened and what would help make things right.
Circles are voluntary. We meet each person separately first, explain how the circle works, and go at a pace that does not force anyone. A circle is not a shortcut and it cannot promise a particular result in court — it is a different path, held with care.
Our role and its limits
This program provides support, information, referrals, and guidance. It does not provide legal advice or legal representation.
We also cannot promise a specific result in court. What we can promise is care, patience, and plain language.
Services included
- Restorative Justice CircleA circle for the person harmed and the person who caused harm, with support.
- Peacemaking CircleA circle focused on family or community disputes and healing the relationship.
- Liaison servicesHelp communicating with agencies, workers, and court offices.
- Advocacy servicesSupport so your voice is heard in meetings and processes.
You are welcome here
- You would like to resolve a harm with the people affected, in a circle
- You are considering an Alternative Measures referral
- You want a family or community dispute addressed respectfully
- You need help communicating with an agency, worker, or court office
- You want support that honours traditional and restorative values
Calm, clear, and unhurried
- Confidential conversations held with care and without judgement
- A clear explanation of how a circle works before anything is decided
- Voluntary participation — you can pause or step back at any time
- Support for both the person who caused harm and the person harmed
- Advocacy that helps your voice be heard, without speaking for you
Circle values
The values a circleis built on
These are the principles we hold in every circle. They guide how we prepare, who is invited, and how agreements are followed up.
Listening
Everyone gets a turn to speak, and time to be heard without being interrupted.
Responsibility
The person who caused harm hears what it cost, and takes part in deciding what would help.
Healing
The aim is to repair what was damaged — for the person harmed, the person who caused harm, and the family around them.
Respect
No shaming, no threats, and no promises about what a court will decide.
Community involvement
Circles draw on the people around a situation: family, elders, supporters, and neighbours.
Restoring relationships
Agreements are written down, followed up on, and revisited if life changes.
Before you ask
Questions peopleask us first
Do I have to face the person who hurt me?
What if I caused the harm?
Is a circle the same as Alternative Measures?
Who is in the circle?
Free & confidential
Talk with someone today
- Call the team(250) 455-2304 ext. 1049
- Email the teamlrjassistant@lfn.band
- Office hoursMonday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- LocationLytton First Nation, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Our office is not open outside business hours.
Other programs
- Court & Justice Support
Practical help for people going through criminal and civil court matters.
- Family & Mediation Support
Support for separation, custody, mediation, and family paperwork.
Appointments are free
You can startwith one phone call
Tell us which part of community & restorative services you need help with. There is no cost, and nothing is decided without you.