Introduction to Restorative Practices

1. Introduction to Restorative Practices

2. Presentation Overview • What is Restorative Practice? • How do Restorative Practices work? • Examples of practice in our school… … • Questions?

3. What is Restorative Practice? • Restorative Practice (RP) is based on the philosophy and principles of restorative justice. Restorative Practice involves: • Viewing wrongdoing through a ‘relational’ lense – understanding that harm has been done to people and relationships • Understanding that when such harm is done, it creates obligations and liabilities • Focusing on repairing the harm and making things right Thorsborne, M & D. Vinegrad, Restorative Justice Pocketbook (2009, p. 10)

4. How Do Restorative Practices Work? • When things go wrong you: • Involve those responsible for and those affected by the behaviour in solving the problem • Provide high levels of support for all parties, whether perpetrators or those affected • Address the needs of all those involved in harmful incidents • Provide strong messages and reminders about what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable Thorsborne, M & D. Vinegrad, Restorative Justice Pocketbook (2009, p. 11)

5. How Do Restorative Practices Work? • Restorative Questions to Help Those Harmed by Others Actions: • What happened? • What did you think when you realised what was happening? • What impact has this incidence had on you? On others? • What has been the hardest thing for you? • What needs to happen now to make things right? Paddy O Connor, North West Mediation

6. Examples of Practice in Our School • It is not just a way of dealing with behavioural issues such as bullying, it is a cultural thing in a school.  For example: • we greet each other • we speak respectfully to each other • we don't shout • we listen to both sides • we behave respectfully

7. Questions?