A Richmond non-profit that helps keep people out of the justice system is asking city council for a boost in funding.
According to Touchstone Family Association, obtaining funding for their restorative justice program is “an ongoing challenge.”
The organization describes restorative justice as a process through which the offender and victim are invited to come together “so the offender can be held accountable and the victim can receive reparation.”
Volunteer facilitators also work with offenders to help them take responsibility for their crimes.
The majority of Touchstone’s funding comes from the city, which began funding a full-time restorative justice coordinator in 2008.
The program also receives $2,500 from the provincial government.
A report from the city notes that Richmond has “long advocated for increased funding for restorative justice services, but the province maintains it will not advance additional funding.”
This has led to the city funding the program.
Due to inflation costs and wage increases, which have placed a strain on the restorative justice program, Touchstone is asking for a six per cent annual funding increase, which would be included in their contract renewal with the city.
Under the current contract, which expires Dec. 31, Touchstone receives $95,000 annually from the city. The six-per-cent increase would add $5,700 to that total — making the total annual funding $100,700 — and be included in the 2020 budget process.
The new contract would cover a three-year period, from the start of 2020 through the end 2022.
Touchstone, which has been operating in the city since 1983, first partnered with Richmond RCMP to offer restorative justice in 2004. The city has been working with the organization since 2008.
The contract renewal and funding will be discussed at Monday’s city council meeting.
