Tier 2

Maintain Relationships Specialized group systems for students with “at-risk” behavior(15% of students)

RPTools: Small impromptu conversations and circles to address a targeted group need such as:

Incidents between students and staff that require immediate impromptu conference

Community circles to address a targeted group need (e.g. misbehavior, attendance, conflicts, etc.)

Re-entry circles for new or returning students

Tier 3

Repair Harm & Restore Relationships Specialized individualized systems for students with “high-risk” behavior (5% of students)

RP Tools: Formal restorative conferences and restorative circles to:

Address serious issues such as bullying, teacher student problems, destruction of property, threats, stealing, etc.

Reintegrate a student after suspension, expulsion, or incarceration

Support the inclusion of students with disabilities

Restorative Conference

The restorative conference is the most formal practice on the restorative practices (RP) continuum. It has a prescribed structure and requires pre-conference preparation in order to repair harm after a more serious incident. Traditional discipline practices focus on offenders and how to mete out punishment, while victims are completely excluded from the process. The restorative conference is a victim-sensitive process. Those harmed are able to speak to the offenders, voice their feelings and have those feelings acknowledged, and take part in the repairing and restoring process. (OCDE)

To have a restorative conference:

• Offenders must take responsibility for their part in the incident and voluntarily agree to the conference

• Victims must also voluntarily agree to the conference

For the offenders, a restorative conference does not replace punishment. Depending on the situation, it can be in lieu of suspension or as a supplement. The restorative conference ends with an agreement about how the offender can make restitution for the wrongdoing. The process fosters empathy in the offender; he/she is able to hear how their actions have affected the victims, the victims’ supporters, and their own friends and family.

The restorative conference process includes:

• Pre-conference preparation: the facilitator speaks to all parties involved, confirms participation, and reviews conference proceedings with participants

• A date, place, & time are set not long after the incident

• Conference day: A circle of chairs is set up with offender(s) and their supporters on one side of the facilitator and victim(s) and their supporters on the other side

• The conference facilitator follows a script (see "Conference Facilitator's Script" on RP Resources webpage) and ends with an agreement.

• Conference closing: the refreshments follow the conference and is a crucial part of reintegrating the offender Training for conducting a formal restorative conferences is highly recommended.

GROUND RULES FORM

Consent form for those participating in a formal conference

EVALUATION FORMS - Click HERE

Conference Observation Form
Facilitator Data Sheet
Post-conference Offender Questionnaire
Post-conference Victim Questionnaire
Post-conference Offender Parent Questionnaire
Post-conference Supporter Questionnaire
Post Court Offender Questionnaire - comparison group
Post Court Victim Questionnaire - comparison group
Post Court Offender Parrent Questionnaire