Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices, also referred to as Restorative Justice, is a program based on respect, responsibility, relationship-building and relationship-repairing. The intention is to build trusting relationships and offer restorative alternatives to punitive discipline. It focuses on mediation and agreement rather than punishment. It aims to keep students in school and to create a safe environment where learning can flourish. If a student misbehaves and a restorative justice system is in place, the offending student is given the chance to come forward and make things right. Restorative practices promotes inclusiveness, relationship-building and problem-solving, through such restorative methods as circles for teaching and conflict resolution to conferences that bring victims, offenders and their supporters together to address wrongdoing. Instead of punishment, students are encouraged to reflect on and take responsibility for their actions and come up with plans to repair harm. Restorative Inquiry is an essential restorative practice.

Restorative Questions I

To Respond to Challenging Behavior

• What happened?
• What were you thinking at the time?
• What have you thought about since?
• Who has been affected by what you have done? In what way?
• What do you think you need to do to make this right?

Restorative Questions II

To Help Those Harmed by Others' Actions

• What did you think when you realized this happened?
• What impact has this incident had on you and others?
• What has been the hardest thing for you?
• What do you think needs to happen to make this right?
• What do you think you need to do to make this right?

Resource: Restorative Practices Toolkit (PDF)

Resource: Establish, Maintain, and Restore Positive Relationships with Students

Resource: Building Relationships with my Students

If there is no clear victim or offender a Restorative Circle may be the best process.