A Guide to Embracing Restorative Justice
by Jude Gonzales (Director of Counseling Services) and Riley Finck (Counseling Intern)
At the crossroads of education and counseling, we are constantly seeking ways to support positive and inclusive whole school environments. Restorative Justice is a practical approach to community building that aligns with the mission of our school. It recognizes that as human beings, we need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive and grow. Restorative practices have enduring roots in indigenous societies and places emphasis on the accountability and responsibility we have to one another. This approach to conflict resolution centers relationships, accountability, and inclusivity.
What Is Restorative Justice?
At its core, restorative justice is a holistic and community-centered approach to resolving conflict. It emphasizes repairing harm and rebuilding relationships by acknowledging when things go wrong, as opposed to simply assigning blame and punishment. Traditional models for behavior management that are solely punitive like suspension and detention tend to isolate the person from the very community that can provide them support and an opportunity to heal and grow. Detention, suspension, and expulsion may make a student feel guilty and hesitate before they make the next mistake, but if we aren’t putting the person and their well-being first, seeking the root cause of the issue, it may be an endless cycle as most of our poor actions are a result of something deeper. Additionally, when a whole community participates in problem solving, we are working with a larger array of ideas for re-establishing equilibrium to our community. In focusing on the needs of the person or parties involved, this practice seeks to create a positive learning environment where kids feel safe and valued. Empathy, understanding, and personal growth are just a few of the many ways in which this approach helps to do that. We have seen this positive dynamic many times already when doing circle work in classes.
How It Works in Schools
Implementing restorative justice in a K-12 school setting involves a comprehensive approach. Here's an idea of what it looks like: These work when incorporated as a regular component of a class rather than only once something has gone wrong.
Talking Circles (or “Circle Time”)
Circles provide a structured space for open and honest discussions.
Students and faculty (teacher or counselor) come together to discuss any issues, share perspectives, and build trust.
Circles help create a sense of belonging, where every voice is valued and heard.
Restorative Conversations
When conflicts occur, we bring together those involved, the counseling department, and if there are other affected parties.
The focus is on addressing the harm caused, understanding the impact, and finding ways to make amends.
These conversations help the kids take responsibility for their actions and encourage empathy.
Accountability and Personal Growth
Restorative justice encourages students to reflect on their behavior and its consequences.
In doing so, it empowers students to learn from their mistakes, grow personally, and develop better decision-making skills.
Why Restorative Justice Matters
Improved School Environment: Restorative justice creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere, enhancing the overall school experience for both students and staff.
Reduced Discipline Measures: The focus on repairing harm leads to fewer suspensions and expulsions.
Empowered Students: Restorative justice practice provides students with valuable conflict resolution skills.
Restorative Questions (to respond to challenging behavior) from the International Institute for Restorative Practices.
What happened?
What were you thinking of at the time?
What have you thought about since?
Who has been affected by what you have done? In what way?
What do you think you need to do to make things right?
By embracing this approach, we can inspire positive change within a child's educational environment. The collective effort to call people in rather than out can be a healing gesture that strengthens our classrooms.
References
Anfara, V. A., Evans, K. R., & Lester, J. N. (2013). Restorative Justice in Education: What We Know so Far. Middle School Journal, 44(5), 57–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/00940771.2013.11461873
González, T., Sattler, H., & Buth, A. J. (2018). New directions in whole-school restorative justice implementation. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 36(3), 207–220. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.21236
Karp, D., & Breslin, B. (2001). Restorative Justice in School Communities. Youth & Society, 33(2), 249–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118x01033002006
