Research supports restorative justice nonprofit in Abbotsford

ABBOTSFORD — A research hub at the University of the Fraser Valley is putting learning to practical use – and changing lives for the better – after a multi-year collaboration with the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association (ARJAA).

ARJAA conducts its work based on research showing that people who go through victim-centred restorative justice are less likely to reoffend.

The organization reached out to the UFV’s Community Health and Social Innovation (CHASI) hub in 2023 for help with a grant proposal.

“Part of the importance of the grant was exploring how we could tell the story of what ARJAA is doing, and how evaluation can play a part in supporting that story. So, looking at what types of programs ARJAA is providing, what impacts those projects are having, and what ways can we support them,” said CHASI’s lead researcher, Chelsea Klassen.