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RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: What Are They and How Do They Function within the ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ District?
WHAT ARE RESTORATIVE PRACTICES?
Restorative Practices (RP) build and strengthen relationships by creating a “Culture of Care” that develops and maintains a sense of belonging among the community. RP also addresses harm done to others by promoting accountability and responsibility. The goal is to build, maintain, and repair relationships so that individuals and communities grow closer together.
HOW DO RESTORATIVE PRACTICES HELP US?
- Create a sense of community
- Build healthy relationships
- Strengthen conflict resolution skills
- Improve Sense of Belonging
WHAT ARE CIRCLES?
All those involved sit in a circle and begin a discussion using a talking piece to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to listen. Circles are powerful because the process promotes equitable and welcoming learning environments. Circles have been used to help build community for thousands of years. Some of the earliest known tribes, across all continents, used Circles to meet and discuss the most important matters in their communities.
3 TIERS OF RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
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TIER 3: REPAIR CIRCLES
REPAIR HARM & REINTEGRATE
Repair relationships using conferencing and welcome back with a fresh start
TIER 2: MEDIATION CIRCLES
MEDIATE CONFLICT
Maintain Relationships when minor conflict occurs
TIER 1: ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ BUILDING CIRCLES
BUILD ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ
Build and strengthen Relationships
THE 5 R’s of RP
RELATIONSHIPS
- Central to building an inclusive community
- Build systems that develop & strengthen healthy relationships
RESPECT
- Provide a voice for the person that has been harmed
- Improve social behavior
RESPONSIBILITY
- Emphasis placed on the harm rather than the offense
- Understand the impact of the harm
RESTORATION
- Collaborative problem solving
- Empowers change & growth
REINTEGRATION
- Person who has done the harm is welcomed back into the environment
For more information contact:
Michael Regan, LCSW
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
mregan@necsd.net
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
