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about
Red deer Youth Diversion
We believe that young people are capable of growth, change, and taking responsibility when given the right support. Traditional justice systems often punish without healing. Our “why” is to create a safe space where harm can be acknowledged, relationships repaired, and youth guided back into community in positive and meaningful ways.
To work in partnership with police, courts, Indigenous communities and local residents to provide restorative alternatives to the criminal justice system. Through referrals, case conferences, and restorative justice circles, we support youth accountability, healing, and reintegration in ways that are trauma-informed, culturally respectful, and aligned with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
MISSION
VISION
Safe, inclusive communities where youth are supported to learn from their mistakes, victims have a voice in the process, and restorative practices build stronger relationships and healthier futures
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Respect
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Empathy
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Being Trauma‑Informed
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Commitment to Reconciliation
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Respect for Indigenous Knowledge
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Cultural Safety and Inclusion
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Healing
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Integrity
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Collaboration
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Hope
VALUES
PRINCIPLES of
YOUTH DIVERSION
Red Deer Youth Diversion is guided by a set of core principles that shape our approach to restorative justice and youth accountability. These principles ensure that our work is compassionate, fair, and effective in supporting both young people and the communities they are part of:
Restorative Accountability – Encouraging youth to take responsibility for their actions in a way that promotes healing and repair rather than punishment.
Timeliness – Responding promptly to incidents to ensure that accountability and learning occur while the experience is still relevant.
Trauma‑Informed Practice – Recognizing the impact of trauma and creating processes that are sensitive, supportive, and avoid re‑traumatization.
Community Involvement – Engaging families, schools, and community partners to build collective responsibility and strengthen connections.
Victim‑Centered – Placing the needs, voices, and experiences of victims at the heart of the process, ensuring their healing and safety are prioritized.
Cultural Respect and Inclusivity – Honoring diverse cultural knowledge and practices, and ensuring that all youth and families feel respected and included.
Youth Growth and Reintegration – Supporting young people in learning from their actions, developing positive skills, and reintegrating successfully into their communities.
Fairness and Proportionality – Ensuring that responses are balanced, equitable, and proportionate to the harm caused, fostering trust in the process.
Jurisdiction of the Committee
The Committee has jurisdiction only if all of the following criteria are met:
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The offence cannot generally be those included as a class III offense.
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The young person is prepared to accept responsibility for his/her involvement in the offence or admit to his/her participation or involvement in the offence.
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The young person consents to meet with the committee. In keeping with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the young person’s decision to participate must be voluntary and not the result of coercion by any person.
A young person is referred to the Committee by the Crown Attorney or the Police. The Crown or Police applies the first two criteria. The third and fourth criteria can only be met after the young person has obtained legal advice.
If any one of the criteria is not met, then the young person will proceed through the normal court process.
Board of Directors
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our partners
