Background
Turnings was established in 1993 as the Metro Community Chaplaincy, and renamed Turnings in 1994. Beginning as part of CoSA Canada (https://www.cosacanada.com ), its mandate continues to make available to NL, circles of support for high needs/high risk sexual offenders incarcerated or previously incarcerated in Federal and Provincial institutions. Turnings mission statement is “NO MORE VICTIMS” as it continues its commitment to bringing an end to victimization and creating safer, healthier communities for all. It recognizes that safe communities come from healthy connections and relationships, not punishment. Research into the services provided indicates that Circles result in a 70% decrease in recidivism for members compared to those who did not belong to Circles.
For more information please visit the website: https://www.turningsnl.com
Definition of Restorative Justice
Restorative justice encourages offenders to acknowledge the harmful impact of their actions on others and understand that healing will involve taking responsibility for meeting the resulting needs of those harmed. Restorative justice supports offenders and holds them accountable to ensure the safety of all as they work to re-integrate back into their community.
Demographic Served
Turnings serves adult men and women. The majority of their members are non-Indigenous adult men who reside in or are citizens of NL.
Services
Turnings has been working to provide safer communities since 1992. Under the direction of Mr. Dan McGettigan, and with a small staff of three people and many volunteers, Turnings has continuously provided services for those who have caused harm as well as those who support them (families, friends). Dozens of people have found significant support and encouragement through this small team of dedicated professionals.
Services include:
Providing circles of support and accountability for high risk/high needs (ex)offenders consisting of Turnings staff and community volunteers
Circles include regular meetings and meetings-at-request by members seeking to avoid causing harm again and recommitting criminal activity
In-reach services are provided for offenders in provincial and federal prisons in NL and other provinces who are anticipating returning to NL communities upon release
Outreach support is provided for previously incarcerated members who have returned to their communities
Information provided
May 16, 2023