New sysiem a success in Fraser Valley By Martin Millerchip Contributing Writer miller@nsnews.com “YOUNG offenders don’t come from the moon, young offenders don’t come from Mars, they don’t even come from Surrey. They’re our kids. We grew them.” For once, Judge Bill Rodgers was not about to ren- der judgment on a case before him in North Vancouver provincial court. Instead, he was one of five panelists addressing a Community Forum on the Criminal Justice System Thursday in the brand new Gerry Brewer Public Safety Building. He sketched a quick pic- ture from “bum-on-the-bench statistics” that show more and more cases being referred to a provincial court system that has no money for more judges or courtrooms, while the cases become longer and more com- plex, in part, because of Canadian Charter issues. But many of the more than 100, mostly grey-haired audi- ence members left the meeting with solid cause for hope in how first-time, young offend- ers might be more effectively deale with. Indeed, with community support, there is a very good chance that the number of cases our over-worked justice system copes with could be reduced later this year. “If we’ve got an offender, particularly a first offender or young offender, what can we do to turn it around and make sure it’s the last time?” asked Superintendent Gil Yard, head of the North Vancouver RCMP detachment and a staunch supporter of commu- NEWS photo Cindy Goodman MARK LaLonde tells a community forum on the jus- tice system about a new youth justice program. Family Physician Dr. Dean Brown MD CCFP is pleased to announce the opening of his practice. #801-145 E 13th Street 980-4841 North Vancouver New Patients welcome. [ PERSONAL INJURY Free Initial Consultation Douglas W. Lahay CLARK, BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS WILSON 800-885 West Georgia Street, Van. 687-5700 24 HOUR MESSAGE 643-3161 B ICBC's policies are not law. | will get you a fair settlement ¢ or trial award. nity policing. ‘Moderator Mark LaLonde and Lola Chapman presented a challenge and a possible answer to the meeting. “Rather than complaining about the justice system, read the Young Offenders Act. Any community (with the permis- sion of the Attorney General) has the authority to take con- trol aver youth justice,” LaLonde, a former policeman and instructor with rhe Justice Institute of Canada, told the meeting forcefully. But ic was Chapman, from Ridge Meadows’ (the joint jurisdiction of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows) Youth Justice Conference, who described a system of “restora- tive justice” that could be tied in North Vancouver. Chapman oversees a com- ry A ‘a. iq # 2 3 ia A f at a % ¢ m3 aaa munity-run, court diversion system that dealt with 196 first-time, young offenders in 1996. So far, based on the stan- dard of no further offences, Chapman’s = community _ is boasting a 94.2% success rate. She predicts that the start- lingly high percentage will fall, hut only because the area police and crown counsel have so much confidence in the sys- tem that they are diverting increasingly more complex cases to Chapman’s commit- tee. She told the meeting that her program: @ allows for the victim to be heard; @ involves the community; and Mi requires the offenders to take responsibility for their actions. Sunday, April 27, 1997 — North Shore News — 9 Restorative justice comes to NV The program is overseen by a community board com- prising the two municipal mayors, the officer in com- mand of the local police, a probation officer, a local lawyer, a school principal and a local minister. Fifteen volunteer counsel- lors “from all walks of lite” have been approved, police- vetted and trained. Depending on case needs, a panel of three is convened each week to con- sider new cases. The referred young offend- ers (all first-timers) must admit guilt and can take their chances with the courts if they won't do that. Burt a court date can be a six- to eight-month wait with penalties and a record at the end of the process. If offenders choose to The Jewellery Event Of The Year. The Lowest Prices An | Everything In The Store H Has Been Slashed! | | * Bracelets Diamonds Pendants Earrings Gold Fine Gem Stones The One Sale You Won’t Want to Miss. 5 Stone Diamond Rang 1/2 Co-ct rotd weight ‘SB8H Special Reductions On All Inventory ywhere, An ® Necklaces © Rings e Watches e Engagement Rings divert they will be in front of the committee in 14-35 days and if they complete the pro- gran. will have their fnger- prints and record destroyed. The panel invites victims to attend or submit an impact statement before asking for restitution and/or setting con- sequences. The offender must agree to accept the consequences as assigned or goes back to the court system. Businesses in the area offer work experiences and will pay a minimum wage if required for restitution purposes, and ongoing one-on-one coun- selling, is provided. City Coun. Stella Jo Dean would like to have a similar program up and running in orth Vancouver “in six months.” THE TRADITION CONTINUES ime nachna rt > no vbr 25-0 ah 9 Soros Sake rE WE OA *Sale includes all merchandise in store excepe some new orders, Lugaro value Red Tag items, selecsed watches, and repairs. Layaways available. CAPILANO MALL North Vancouver 984-2040 Importers of Gemstones, Manufacturers of Fine Jewellery EATON CENTER Metrotown 430-2040 {OPENING S004) MAYFAIR MALL Victoria 382-2040 PARK ROYAL SOUTR West Vancouver 925-2043