SLT Mini Introduction to Restorative Approaches and Restorative Justice Conferencing

SLT Mini Introduction toRestorative Approaches and

Restorative Justice Conferencing

Lynne Russell – DirectorRestorative Justice 4 Schools

Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

So what are restorative

approaches?

Restorative Approaches are inspired by the philosophy and practices of

Restorative Justice which aims to repair harm caused to relationships

and communities by conflict.

Crucially it is believed that is best achieved by focusing upon the harm caused, rather than assigning blame

and dispensing punishment which often fails to address the needs of

those most affected.

RESPECT RESPONSIBILTY REPAIR REINTEGRATI

ON

The 4 R’sRJ is based on four key

features

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Restorative Justice focuses the individual on their responsibilities

to the rights of others

Responsibilities and Rights

Range of Restorative Approaches

Restorative Approaches are a framework of methods that contribute towards the building, maintaining and repairing a community

Informal Formal

Everyday Behaviour

– Building Skills

Restorative rules

Restorative language

Check in and out

Aims for the day

Circle time

Everyday Conflict –Behaviour Issues

Reflection time

Non prepared restorative chat or

enquiry

Classroom conference

Informal prepared conference

High Level Conflict –

Alternative to Exclusion

Formal prepared conference

Restorative sanctions

Informal Formal

Restorative Justice Conferencing is a process that repairs relationships

Restorative Approaches develop skills to build and

maintain relationships

Creating a restorative balance

Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

So what is restorative justice

conferencing?

A process for resolving conflict A common language to resolve conflict Focuses on the needs of the victim Allows the wrongdoer(s) to understand the

impact of their actions Encourages wrongdoer(s) to take

responsibility for their actions Therefore creates accountability Likely to change behaviour and build

characterThe starting place for restorative

approaches

What is Restorative Justice Conferencing ?

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Incident Preparation Conference

Reintegration and

refreshments

Follow Up

Conference Process

Change of behaviour Avoids exclusions Genuine apology and acknowledgement of

harm Conflict stops Friendships/relationships can be repaired Lessons are learnt Everyone has a say Promotes truth telling YP take responsibility for their behaviour Strategy for a better future Not criminalised and able to stay in education

Positive Outcome from Conferencing

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Explaining what

happened

Seeing the other

side

Putting things right

Change your

behaviour

Elements of a Restorative Process

RJ is not an opt out of punishment Conferencing can take place along side punitive

measures if the sanction is seen as unavoidable or constructive

Conferencing can take place and effective engagement would cause punitive response to become suspended.

Conferencing can produce a nominated sanctions, reparation or financial restitution

Young people can be asked to give an apology of actions not just words

THAT SAID It is considered more effective when made part of a no

blame approach

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RJ V Punishment

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Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

What's the benefit?

What can RJ do for a School? Happier and safer school Mutually respectful

relationships More effective teaching and

learning Reducing exclusions Raising attendance Developing emotional literacy Addressing bullying behaviours Raising morale by culture of

inclusion and belonging Help a school meet Ofsted

targets for behaviour and safety in school

IT IS NOT A SOFT OPTION

Lynne Russell - Restorative Justice 4 Schools

Why consider Restorative Approaches?

Endeavour High school in Hull: From Spring 2007 – July 2008

45.6% reduction in incidents of verbal abuse 59.4% reduction in incidents of physical abuse 43.2% reduction in incidents of disruptive

behaviour 78.6% reduction in incidents of racist incidents 100% reduction in incidents of drug use 50% reduction in incidents of theft 44.5% reduction in fixed term exclusions 62.5% reduction in total days of staff absence *

* a saving of over £60,000 in the first 8 months!!

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A Whole School Restorative Approach

- Excerpt 2.43 minutes-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dmuvUWluS4

D V D

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The Plan for …..

Staff & Pupils using

informal Restorative Approaches

Restorative language, contracts, class room

rules

Check in and check out in form /tutor

time

Rest. chats to resolve low

level conflict

RJ Conferencing

to resolve high level conflict

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Implementation: The First Step

Administration Policy, referral

systemTraining

Resources, Info. for

Parents, Staff, Pupils

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Whole school training

Lunch time staff

3 Day conferencing facilitation training

Learning support staff

Peer mentoring/facilitation

training

Training

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enquiry@restorativejustice4schools.co.uk

www.restorativejustice4schools.co.uk

Restorative Justice 4 Schools – Facebook

07773 797 587

Contact Details