Launching, Growing, and Evaluating Restorative Justice Programs
This service grew out of a desire voiced by training participants and community partners to support implementation of restorative approaches in a variety of settings. Each consulting contract is customized to meet the specific needs of each community and program,
Restorative Justice Practices Schools: Create opportunity for discipline with respect with regards to issues of suspension, expulsion, truancy, as well as fighting and aggression such as bullying. Educating the whole child by caring for the whole child. Student's don't care what you know until they know that you care. Families: Support parent–child relations; deepen relations between spouses and family system; ease the pain and conflict around family conflict and harm. Help to blend new families. Business & Workplace: Enhance problem-solving; build communication and good relations; transform conflicts into positive opportunities; make business planning more effective.
Community Building: Draw on diverse strengths; build mutual understanding; participate in the local planning process; rally activism to respond more effectively to challenges and injustices.
Uses In the Criminal Justice System
Diversion Programs- Divert offenders away from the Juvenile Justice System. Juveniles who have created a minor delinquent offense are offered a safe space to confront and take accountability for harm done not only to their direct victims and community but also harm done to self.
Re-Entry Programs - Create a safe space for youth who are incarcerated to be their authentic selves sharing their stories about harm, crime, and conflict while promoting empathy and understanding of the interconnection of all things understanding the impact of our action on others. Support and accountability are both emphasized.