Restorative Practice

Restorative practice rests on the belief that it is best to do things with people rather than to them, by engaging them in fair process and responding to behaviour in ways that involve strengthening and repairing relationships. Restorative practice is not about removing control from the offender. Instead, it is a balance between control and support. It is a collaborative approach versus a confrontational setting of discipline, classroom management and relationships.

Restorative conference

Objectives of a restorative conference

• to provide the offending student with an insight into the impact of his/her behaviour on others;
• to allow those affected to address the offending student;
• to provide a safe, supportive environment in which those affected can state their views about how the harm should be repaired, while offering the offender an opportunity to repair the harm;
• to involve family and significant others in helping to increase accountability and responsibility; and
• to provide the school community with an appropriate response to disruptive incidents.
  

Factors that contribute to successful restorative practice

• restorative practice promotes education rather than punitive practices;
• all participants are allowed to share their story from their point of view;
• the wrongdoer experiences the emotional impact his/her actions had on the victim(s) which will lead to greater understanding and change of future behaviour;
• all parties feel they had a voice in the decision.

Outcomes of a restorative conference

• the victim is able to feel safe again;
• the focus on harm and unacceptable behaviour can increase the likelihood that the wrongdoer will accept responsibility for what happened;
• the experience can enhance the wrongdoer's ability for understanding and reduce the chance of re-offending; and
• this allows for the offender to join the wider school community again.