Communities Embracing Restorative Action (CERA) Society

Provides the restorative justice-based Community Youth Justice Program (CYJP), which offers an alternative to the court whereby young offenders under age 18 learn directly from the victim about the personal harm they have caused, and are given an opportunity to make amends. Successful participants avoid acquiring or adding to a criminal record. To be eligible, youth take responsibility for their actions, and the harm must have been committed in the Tri-Cities or New Westminster. Referrals are usually made by RCMP, police, or Crown Counsel. In addition to accepting youth referrals, CERA works with police partners, Crown, and ICBC in addressing adult cases, so adults who have committed offences have the opportunity to accept responsibility and make amends, while victims have a voice in the process. Serves Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and New Westminster. Hours vary. Nonprofit society, registered charity.