Restorative Approaches and Restorative Justice Conferencing

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’sRJ is based on four key features 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 InformalFormal

6. Informal Formal

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

11. Conference Process

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

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 Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

15. Training Restorative Justice 4 Schools Ltd

16. Contact Details enquiry@restorativejustice4schools.co.uk www.restorativejustice4schools.co.uk Restorative Justice 4 Schools – Facebook 07773 797 587