"Collaborative Justice and Healing" Evaluation

The Collaborative Justice Program was approached by Carleton University Master of Social Work students again this year to participate in another evaluation, “Collaborative Justice and Healing”. From the results of this research, we have become even more aware of the positive impact of our program on both victims and offenders:

Some Quotes from participants/clients:

• “I shook his hand, and he apologized for everything he did and he was sincere about it…I didn’t feel the hate, and I’m sure he’s a bit better knowing that.”

• “I was full of hatred and when I left I was happier than I was before going. I’m not sure if I would have changed without them being there for me.”

• "It helped both parties, both parties to heal, or to understand other person."

• “They’re the most welcoming people and they make you feel like you’re at home.

• “Somebody is going to sit with you, listen to what you have to say, being nonjudgmental, and help you talk through the events to hear how you felt about it. I think that’s a big thing.”

• "I never knew that this program existed, and I can see how this program can help a lot of people."

• "Had I known about [this program] earlier, I would have turned around and talked about it earlier."

• “I found peace in myself and I was able to forgive him for what he’s done, and I don’t think I could have done that without this program.”

The results from Carleton University’s “Collaborative Justice and Healing” study truly reinforce the importance of restorative justice within the criminal justice system. With your help and support, not only have we been able help people heal, but we have had the opportunity to help both victims and offenders grow and move forward in a positive manner.