Restorative Practices Restorative Definition restore verb used with

Restorative Practices

Restorative - Definition re·store verb (used with object), re·stored, re·stor·ing. 1. to bring back into existence, use, or the like; reestablish: to restore order. 2. to bring back to a former, original, or normal condition, as a building, statue, or painting. 3. to bring back to a state of health, soundness, or vigor. 4. to put back to a former place, or to a former position, rank, etc. : to restore the king to his throne. 5. to give back; make return or restitution of (anything taken away or lost).

What are restorative practices? High TO WITH Restorative Structure/Limits Punitive authoritarian stigmatizing confrontation cooperative collaborative problem solving responsibility Neglectful Permissive avoidance ignoring tired give up rescuing excusing reasoning NOT Low FOR Support . Blood, 2004 Adapted from Wachtel, 1999 3 High

Retributive vs. Restorative Justice: Retributive justice: Restorative justice: 1. What 1. Who has been hurt? 2. What are their needs? 3. Who has the obligation to address the needs and put right the harm? rules or laws were broken? 2. Who 3. What broke them? do they deserve? Source: http: //rjoyoakland. org/restorative-justice/

Source: YWCA Madison Racial Justice Resource Guide

Overall Research Tenants Research shows that we – as adults – must respond to youth in a way that: • Ensures the consequences match the event and not overrespond (particularly to typical adolescent behavior). • Addresses the underlying reasons why the youth is acting out by providing communitybased, effective responses. • Align resources to support these goals.

Iceberg approach Presenting problem Under the Waterline Abuse and/or neglect Family Issues Substance Abuse Parent unwilling to participate Truancy/Grades/Trouble at School Lying/Not telling the whole story Gang Involvement . Blood, 2004 Adapted from Wachtel, 1999

Restorative questions: • • • 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 things right?

Examples of restorative practices – school-based: • • • Prevention/relationship-building Conflict resolution Discipline hearings HB 410 absence intervention team meetings Staff self-care circles

Examples of restorative practices – court-based: Community-based prevention • Truancy alternatives to adjudication • Diversion from formal processing • Reentry •

Restorative Practices in Ohio Schools – Peace Circles in Summit County • School-based circles in three high schools training all ninth graders – 213 students. • Circles addressed various issues, including the importance of education, conflict resolution, community violence, respecting authority, and self-esteem. • After Circles, 98% of students felt respected, like they could talk with other students and staff, that they could respect others’ perspectives, and that they were better able to cope with conflict/stress. • Staff reported being able to form better relationships with students and a more positive environment. • Expanding to middle schools.

Practical implementation questions: • • • Why? – Building real relationships with youth. Who? – Acknowledge that not everyone will buy in. How? – Think creatively. When/Where? – Depends on the type of circle (preventative vs. responsive) Exercising the muscle of restorative practices.