Circle of Change Restorative Justice Program

FITCS

Community-Led Justice. Healing. Accountability.

Friends in Toronto Community Services (FITCS) works with youth, families, schools, and justice partners to address harm, challenge systemic racism, and build restorative, accountable responses to conflict.

How We Support Youth & Families Across the Justice Continuum

FITCS supports youth and families at multiple stages of justice system involvement — from early intervention and diversion to extra-judicial measures and reintegration. Our work expands access to restorative justice, legal navigation, healing supports, and community-based alternatives that promote accountability, dignity, and long-term well-being.


From the Inside-Out

How We Support Youth & Families Across the Justice Continuum

  • Pre-Charge & Early Intervention (Pre-Diversion)
  • Diversion & Extra-Judicial Measures
  • Legal Navigation & Access to Justice
  • Healing, Reintegration & Ongoing Support

Who Our Work Is For

FITCS works alongside individuals and institutions navigating harm, conflict, and systemic barriers. Our approach centres dignity, accountability, and culturally responsive care.

Justice involvement is not a single moment — it is a continuum that requires coordinated, community-based responses.

Learn About Our Programs

Pre-Charge & Early Intervention

Supporting youth and families before formal charges are laid by addressing conflict, harm, and underlying needs through restorative dialogue, school and community referrals, and trauma-informed support.

Diversion & Extra-Judicial Measures

Facilitating restorative justice pathways that support diversion and extra-judicial requirements under the YCJA, while centring accountability, repair, and community safety.

Legal Navigation & Advocacy Support

Helping youth and families understand their rights, access legal information, and connect with legal aid, community lawyers, and culturally responsive advocacy supports.

Healing, Reintegration & Community Support

Providing referrals and ongoing support for therapy, mental health services, cultural healing, and reintegration planning with families, schools, and community partners.

FITCS

Who Our Programs Are For & How to Get Involved

FITCS works with youth, families, and community and justice partners at different stages of justice involvement. Each group engages with our programs in distinct ways, with shared goals of accountability, healing, and community safety.

01

Youth & Families

Youth and families can access restorative justice, healing circles, decision-making support, and referrals to therapy and community services — whether facing conflict, harm, or justice system involvement.

Get Support
02

Schools & Community Organizations

Schools and community partners refer youth experiencing conflict, harm, or early justice involvement for restorative support, diversion pathways, and coordinated care.

Make a Referral
03

Justice & System Partners

Police, probation, courts, and service providers collaborate with FITCS to support diversion, extra-judicial measures, and community-based alternatives aligned with the YCJA.

Partner With Us

What Happens Inside Our Restorative Justice Programs

Through the Circle of Change Restorative Justice Program (COCRJ), youth and families participate in structured healing circles, decision-making and accountability training, and culturally grounded support processes. Each engagement is facilitated by trained practitioners and adapted to the participant’s stage of justice involvement, strengths, and support needs.

The Stages of Support: From First Contact to Community Healing

FITCS supports youth and families at various stages of involvement in the justice system. Our programs are designed to meet people where they are, whether before charges are laid, through diversion or extra-judicial measures, or during reintegration and healing.

Programs may involve families, impacted community members, and relevant partners to support accountability, repair, and reintegration without creating further harm or unnecessary system involvement.

  • Early restorative support before formal charges are laid, including school-based referrals, community mediation, healing circles, and family engagement to prevent deeper system involvement.
    Pre-Charge & Early Intervention
    Pre-Charge
  • Restorative justice processes that support diversion and extra-judicial measures under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, focusing on accountability, repair, and meaningful participation.
    Diversion & Extra-Judicial Measures
    Post-Charge/Diversion
  • Support navigating court processes, conditions, and legal options, including referrals to legal aid, community lawyers, and culturally responsive advocacy supports.
    Legal Navigation & Access to Justice
    Legal Support
  • Post-resolution support through therapy referrals, mental health services, cultural healing, and reintegration planning with families, schools, and community partners.
    Healing, Reintegration & Ongoing Support
    Programs and Services
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Get Support, Make a Referral, or Partner With Us

Youth & Families

Youth and families can reach out directly for support, referrals, and information about restorative justice, healing circles, and related services.

  • Participation is voluntary and guided by informed choice
  • Services are culturally responsive and trauma-informed
  • Support is available before, during, or after justice involvement
Get Support

Schools, Community & Justice Partners

Schools, community organizations, police, probation, and courts can refer youth for restorative justice, diversion support, and coordinated community-based care.

  • Referrals accepted at pre-charge, diversion, or post-charge stages
  • Programs are delivered by trained facilitators and community partners
  • Participation supports accountability while avoiding unnecessary criminalization
Make a Referral

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions from youth, families, schools, and justice partners about accessing restorative justice and related supports through FITCS.

Youth and families can be referred to FITCS through schools, community organizations, families, and justice system partners. Referrals may occur before charges are laid, during diversion or extra-judicial processes, or following justice system involvement.

No. Youth do not need to be formally charged or in court to access FITCS programs. Many referrals occur at the pre-charge or early intervention stage to address harm, conflict, and underlying needs before deeper system involvement occurs.

Yes. Participation in restorative justice and healing circle processes is voluntary. Youth and families are supported in making informed choices and are encouraged to engage at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for their circumstances.

Referrals can be initiated by youth, families, schools, community organizations, or justice partners. Once a referral is received, FITCS conducts an intake and assessment process to determine suitability and coordinate appropriate restorative and support services.

No. FITCS does not provide legal representation. We support access to justice by helping youth and families understand legal processes and by connecting them to legal aid, community lawyers, and advocacy resources when appropriate.