In a discussion of the evolution of the practice of restorative justice, the author shows how the practices of mediation and community service have changed from their initial aims and have moved closer to a rehabilitation perspective. The restorative justice model in Montreal stems from various ideologies. Experiences in restorative justice have attempted to put into practice mechanisms that will reduce as much as possible intervention with young offenders and avoid their stigmatization. These experiences have encouraged meetings between victims and young offenders to focus on community service, although community service has lost its initial objective and has not adhered to the restorative justice model. The author concludes that juvenile justice officials in Quebec must negotiate some room for practice in which principles and methods underlying the restorative justice model can be pursued. 35 references, 3 footnotes, and 2 tables