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RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FUND
RATIONALE FOR CURB R.J. FUND
As a network of NGOs working in the field of Restorative Justice, Caribbean Umbrella Body For Restorative Behaviour (CURB) seeks to "restore to wholeness" the lives of reformed offenders, crime survivors and their families in the aftermath of a crime.Restorative Justice seeks to heal and restore those persons affected by crime and transform offenders in order to reduce recidivism. Its values include the making of amends by offenders to crime survivors and the wider community they have hurt and the simultaneous provision of support by the community to both crime survivors and offenders.
Unfortunately, in recent decades we as citizens have abdicated to the government and so-called specialised agencies our responsibility to raise our own children and those in our community and to care for and restore those who have been victimised and those who have offended. This smacks of selfishness and has led us to harden our hearts to those around us. We are less sensitive to the needs of others and this insensitivity grows as lawlessness increases.
CURB is determined to work towards a reversal of this trend and to encourage citizens to turn their hearts to one another again and thereby strengthen and support our primary institutions of family, church, social groups, etc. and those who have been affected by crime whether as crime survivors or offenders. They are a part of us - our children, relatives and acquaintances. Each of us therefore must become more involved in supporting our nation's youth if we are to Save The Next Generation.
This is why CURB is engaged in the preventative, rehabilitative as well as the restorative aspects of crime. For the latter purpose, CURB has established a Restorative Justice Fund - a voluntary, community-based and community-driven initiative - to support persons whose lives have been affected by crime as well as those who have "fallen on hard times" and are in need of restoration.
In contrast to the primarily offender-focused activities which are labelled as "restorative", the Restorative Justice Fund represents a unique development in Caribbean restorative justice - where ex-prisoners (not the State or other crime survivors) are consciously spearheading a programme for the benefit of crime survivors!
The theme of the Restorative Justice Fund – “Saving The Next Generation” - speaks to the need for ALL members of the society to play a greater role in co-operating to raise the young persons in our midst even as our fore-parents did in the not too distant past and to develop comprehensive programmes to support those who are at-risk and to treat with those who have already fallen prey to delinquency otherwise than through the traditional criminal justice system.
ACTIVITIES OF CURB R.J. FUND
When it was established in November 2005, the initial focus of the CURB R.J. Fund was on the silent survivors of homicide - children whose parents have been murdered - and children who have been victims of fire. For these children and their caregivers, CURB embarked upon regular food distributions and distributions of Christmas and birthday presents.CURB began working towards the restoration of five families in Trinidad and Tobago comprising twenty (20) children from such areas as Siparia, Laventille, Diego Martin and Arima. The numbers continue to grow as more persons become affected by ongoing criminal conduct within Trinidad and Tobago.
During 2006, CURB officials Adrian N. Alexander and Michelle Aigle provided regular support and mentoring to several families in spiritual, emotional and financial matters. In July 2006, CURB provided opportunities for the children to attend Camp Glorious - a reputable vacation camp hosted by Youth For Christ in 60 venues throughout Trinidad and Tobago. There the children were taught and entertained and encouraged with inspirational messages from persons in the community who are appropriate role models.
At the end of July 2006, CURB also organised an excursion "Down The Islands" which allowed the children and their caregivers to visit some of the islands off the north west coast of Trinidad and bathe in the beautiful waters off Chacachacare island.
In preparation for their return to school, CURB arranged for the children to receive discounted and free health care through vision testing and also provided school supplies and food hampers at the end of August 2006.
While CURB works directly with a few families with about 20 children, through supporting other NGOs which work in various parts of Trinidad, the R.J. Fund has impacted the lives of scores more children.
For example, in late November, 2006 a CURB volunteer assisted 40 children to enjoy a pre-Christmas treat at Movie Towne in Port of Spain. Many of the children were from Laventille and are regularly assisted by the Picton Worship Centre. A similar treat was sponsored by CURB in December 2006 for 25 children from an orphanage in Arima who are assisted by members of another faith based organisation.
NEW DIRECTIONS FOR CURB R.J. FUND
On 23rd November, 2006 Awake Deborah Prayer Movement - a networking partner of CURB - commenced a support group for women who had lost loved ones to homicide.On 27th November, 2006 CURB R.J. Fund co-ordinator, Adrian N. Alexander, attended the first training session of Victim Support hosted by the newly formed Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR). The initial focus of the Victim Support programme is providing support for the families of homicide victims! Head of the CCHR is Ms. Diana Mahabir-Wyatt, a former Senator and founder of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other victim support groups in Trinidad and Tobago.
With these two initiatives in operation, the R.J. Fund shall work towards facilitating training for persons who desire to support victims and survivors of prison sexual assault (2007) and of domestic violence (2008). Through the Fund, CURB continues to provide several children in Trinidad and Tobago with birthday presents and school supplies, sponsor them to attend vacation camps or arrange excursions and treats for them and their families.
For information about how YOU can play a part in helping to support and restore primary and secondary crime survivors please Download our Restorative Justice Fund brochure.
If you would like to provide donations of money, please send cheques or postal orders in the name of CURB RJ Fund to CURB, P.O. Box 4945, Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago. To donate food, presents, clothing, school-related supplies or other bulky items please Contact CURB to arrange collection.
To keep informed about upcoming events pertaining to the Restorative Justice Fund, you may subscribe to our monthly newsletter by Contacting Us.
Please peruse our Photo Album to view some footage from Restorative Justice events we have been engaged in and some of the families we are assisting.