1. Restorative Approaches and Restorative Justice Conferencing
Lynne Russell – Director
Restorative Justice 4 Schools

2. 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.

3. The 4 R’s RJ is based on four key features
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILTY
REPAIR
REINTEGRATION
Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

4. Responsibilities and Rights
Restorative Justice focuses the individual on their responsibilities to the rights of others

5. Range of Restorative Approaches
Restorative Approaches are a framework of methods that contribute towards the building, maintaining and repairing a community
Informal Formal

6. Everyday Behaviour – Building Skills
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

7. Restorative Justice Conferencing is a process that repairs relationships
Restorative Approaches develop skills to build and maintain relationships

8. 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
Reduces entry into CJS
IT IS NOT A SOFT OPTION

9. 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!!
Lynne Russell - Restorative Justice 4 Schools

10. 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 character
Gravesham Excellence Cluster - BIP

11. Reintegration and refreshments
Conference Process
Incident
Preparation
Conference
Reintegration and refreshments
Follow Up
Gravesham Excellence Cluster - BIP

12. RJ V Punishment 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
Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd
Gravesham Excellence Cluster - BIP

13. Positive Outcome from Conferencing
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

14. Implementation: The First Step
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
Administration Policy, referral system
Training
Resources, Info. for Parents, Staff, Pupils
Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

15. Training Whole school training
3 Day conferencing facilitation training
Peer mentoring/facilitation training
Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

16. Contact Details
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