Background

Restorative Practices Exist in a Continuum

The aim of restorative practices is to develop community and to manage conflict and tension by building relationships and repairing harm. Restorative practices such as circles and conferences provide a safe environment for people to express and exchange emotion. It is through the mutual exchange of expressed affect that community is built, creating the emotional bonds that tie us all together.

The use of Restorative Practices helps to:

Improve human behavior

Strengthen civil society

Provide effective leadership

Reduce violence, crime and bullying

Build relationships

Restore relationships

Repair harm

Restorative practices allows for a shift in practice that results in a culture which is inclusive, builds fair process into decision-making practices, and facilitates students' learning to address the impact of their actions through an approach that allows for true accountability, skill building, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Restorative practice include intervention when harm has happened, as well as practices that help to prevent harm and conflict by helping to build a sense of belonging, safety, and social responsibility in the school community.

In schools, Restorative Practices are multifaceted; the use of Restorative Practices in the school setting helps to promote:

• A safer, caring learning environment.

• A more effective teaching and learning environment.

• A greater commitment by everyone to taking the time to listen to one another.

• A reduction in bullying, disrespectful conduct and other interpersonal conflicts.

• A greater awareness of the importance of connectedness to young people. The need to belong and feel valued by peers and significant adults.

• Greater emphasis on responses to inappropriate behavior that seek to reconnect, and not further disconnect young people.

• Reductions in long-term suspension.

• A greater confidence in the staff to deal with challenging situations.

credit:www.pirirochester.org

“Restorative Practices, when broadly and consistently implemented, will promote and strengthen positive school culture and enhance pro-social relationships within the school community.”