Restorative Practice The Journey

What is GIRFEC? Getting it right for every child and young person is a national policy to help all children and young people grow, develop and reach their full potential.

Restorative Justice is a way to move a child on. For years we've just been containing - putting the lid back on – and eventually that just explodes in your face!

Traditionally we ask What happened? Who is to be blame? What is the appropriate punishment?

What happened? Who has been affected? How can we put right the harm? What have we all learned so as to make different choices next time?

HARM Thinking about harm can be a useful starting point. We can all relate to being harmed, and to causing harm, at some point in our lives.

Experiences Numbers 1 and 2 Numbers 3 and 4 When I hurt someone what I needed for the relationship to move on When I was hurt in order for me to ‘move on’ in the relationship I needed

Traditional Approaches rarely create a situation needs can be met. When a young person behaves in ways that is challenging for a member of staff, for example, there is likely to be harmed experienced on both sides unless both people feel heard and understood. There is a possibility that the relationship between the two will affect the way they work together in the future.

Restorative Justice is driven by a set of values and an ethos that emphasis trust, mutual respect and tolerance. value base/ethos skills processes

Restorative Processes Restorative Enquiry Mediation Community conferences restorative Conferences family group conferences

Skills and Values The skills required to engage in these processes and interventions include: Remaining impartial and non-judgemental Respecting the perspective of all involved Actively and empathically listening Developing rapport amongst participants Empowering participants to come up with solutions rather than suggesting or imposing ideas Warmth, compassion and patience

Everyone ‘walks the walk’ Develop a whole school approach: Everything we do at St Michael’s should be informed by this ethos, these values and a philosophy which gives central importance to Building, maintaining and, when necessary, repairing relationships and community

Change changes people

Classroom/Staffroom on a bad day

Classroom/Staffroom on a good day

Classroom/Staffroom on a bad day Lack of cooperation Lack of communication Lack of self esteem Disconnectedness Lack of appreciation of others Laughing at someone insults staring fighting Lonely people Loud voices Cliques

In this type of environment the chances are that: morale is low Self esteem is low Little sense of community or belonging Can lead to: Tension, stress and worry Conflict and disruption

Classroom/Staffroom on a good day Cooperation skills and Opportunities Communication skills and Opportunities High self-esteem and a culture of appreciation calm People sharing ideas People listening Smiling faces groups

In this type of environment the chances are that: People feel valued and respected People feel heard and included Develop a sense of belonging

Concerns Why won’t it work?