What are Restorative Approaches?

A restorative approach focuses on healing relationships and strengthening community when conflicts arise, rather than just assigning blame or punishment. To hold people accountable, it encourages understanding the effects of one’s actions, addressing the needs of everyone involved, and working together to find positive ways to move forward.

How to Have a Restorative Conversation

Here are six steps you can take to have a Restorative Conversation. Remember, these are suggestions, and the most important thing is to convey compassion and authenticity to the other person.

STEP 1: Open Lines of Communication

At the right time and in the right place , open the lines of communication. Let the person know that you will listen to them and their perspectives, then do just that. This is not the time for advice, lectures or judgement.

Say:

• “How’s it going? I wanted to talk with you about ______________ .”

STEP 2:  Allow them to explain the situation

Allow them to explain the situation from their perspective. Try to see the situation from their point of view. Remember that people may often feel very differently about the same event.

Say:

• “What happened?”

• “Can you tell me more about __________ .”

• “What were you thinking at the time?”

• “What were you feeling?”

Actively listen and then summarise what you have heard. ‘so what you are telling me is…………………….’

STEP 3: Identify What Led Up to the Incident

Identify What Led Up to the Incident and any root causes. Help the person gain a greater understanding of the situation by asking about what happened before or what else may have affected their behaviour. (please note young children may have a very myopic view of what happened).

Say:

• “It sounds like you felt __________ . What made you feel that way?”

• “What happened before it started?”

• “What else do you think was going on with _________ ?”

• “Has this happened before?”

STEP 4: Identify the Impact

Help the person see how their behavior affected those around them. They may need help understanding consequences they can’t see, such as hurt feelings.

Say:

• “What happened to you? To your friend? To your family? “

• “What have you thought about since?”

• “Who else do you think has been affected/upset/ harmed by your actions? How?”

• “When I heard/saw __________, I felt __________because I __________.”

• “What role do you think you played in this situation?”

• “How do you feel now?”

STEP 5: Address Needs and Repair Harm

Help the person decide how to make things better or solve the problem. Lead them to a resolution they can feel good about, even if it is a consequence.

Say:

• “What can you do to make things better?”

• “If you were ______, what do you think you would need?”

• “What do you need to help you do that?”

• “What would you like to see happen?”

• “What could you do differently next time?”

STEP 6: Create an Agreement

This may be a verbal agreement, a checklist or even a written letter or contract. Remember to follow through on your own promises.

Say:

• “Based on our talk, I heard that you will __________. I will also __________.”

• “Can we agree on this plan?”

• “I’m going to check on you in a while to see how things are going.”

• “Thank you for sharing with me! I’m so happy we can work together to make things better!”

By using these steps for a restorative conversation, you can effectively address and resolve conflicts, promoting healthier and more understanding relationships. This does not take away from consequences but helps them to see how their actions affected someone else.