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Canadian Youth Group Wins 2004 Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award

St. John's, Newfoundland, November 22, 2004 – The Youth Restorative Action Project (YRAP), of Edmonton, Alberta, was awarded the 6^th Annual Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award during a ceremony at City Hall in St. John's on November 20.

YRAP is a unique youth justice committee made up of members between 14-24 years of age. They work with youth who have caused harm through racism, crime, discrimination and intolerance. YRAP also addresses significant social issues such as child prostitution, homelessness, mental illness and severe addiction. Youth members administer and run every aspect of YRAP. Its membership includes more than 50 volunteers who come from very diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. YRAP is true to the value and principles of restorative justice with the goal of bringing together the young offender, the victim, and the community in order to determine how to repair the harm done to the victim, community and the offender through education and rehabilitation.

"This year's award recipient clearly demonstrates to Canadians our youth's commitment to safer communities and their active role in restorative justice practices," says Correctional Service of Canada's Acting Commissioner Don Head. "The participation of youth to support innovative and fresh approaches to corrections is fundamental to the future of our communities and public safety."

YRAP was one of 13 award nominees from across Canada. The 2004 Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award ceremony was one of the highlights of this year's Restorative Justice Week, November 14-21, 2004.

Created by Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) in 1999, the Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award honours the late Ron Wiebe, former CSC Warden of Ferndale and Elbow Lake Institutions in British Columbia, for his inspiration and commitment to the field of restorative justice. The award recognizes Canadians who have demonstrated, through their work or lifestyle, ways of transforming human relationships by promoting communication and healing between people in conflict, including victims, offenders, colleagues, families or neighbours.

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For information on Restorative Justice Week and events, please visit www.csc-scc.gc.ca or call: