1 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach “Relationships, not strategies, bring about meaningful change” Bob Costello, 2005

2 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach School behaviour has changed Zero Tolerance programs have had little impact on changing behaviour According to Chmelynski, 2005, “The dramatic change in behaviour is largely a result of a loss of connectedness”

3 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach Restorative Approaches is about a paradigm shift in thinking From retributive to restorative It’s about doing things with students, rather than to them or for them. It is not a program, it is a way of doing, being, and thinking!

4 FIRM LOW HIGH HIGH FAIR TOWITH NOTFOR punitiverestorative neglectful permissive authoritarianstigmatising authoritative respectful indifferentpassive protectiveeasy/undemanding Discipline & Accountability Care & Understanding

5 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach Retributive Wrongdoers need to be punished Punishment changes behaviour Threat of punishment will ensure complicity Restorative Emphasis is on relationships over the need to assign blame Both victims and offenders are part of the process Seeks to repair the harm done Consequences may be applied

6 VIDEO: Introduction to Restorative Practice THINK ABOUT: The community as your school and the people as the stakeholders in your school: colleagues, students, parents and community members Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach

7 Advantages A safer more caring environment Greater commitment to listen Reduction in interpersonal conflicts, including bullying Greater awareness of connectedness; feel valued by adults and peers Emphasis on responses that seek to re-connect, not disconnect Reduction in fixed term exclusions (suspensions, expulsions) Staff confidence in dealing with challenging situations Increased belief in young people to take responsibility for their actions

8 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach The Steps of Restorative Approaches Driven by a set of values and an ethos that emphasises trust, mutual respect, and tolerance as a base upon which to work.

9 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach Restorative Pedagogy Teachers practices include: Modelling expected behaviours, values and skills Creating opportunities for students to practice their skills (circles, class meetings, small group sessions, etc) Incorporating expected values into the curriculum Explicit teaching! As well as: Active listening, Non-violent communication, Anger Management, Reflective Practices, Emotional Literacy, patience, objectivity, inclusive practices, develop and maintain self-esteem, the ability to express feelings and needs.

10 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach Restorative Approaches Active and empathetic listening Inclusion and collaboration Modelling Mediation Conferencing

11 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach Restorative Conference Used by trained mediators, administrators, appropriate teaching/support staff to deal with issues involving group issues, re-entry meetings, staff issues. Includes everyone that has been affected by the incident. Choosing to Run a Conference 1.Has the offender admitted the offense? 2.Has the incident adversely affected or harmed anyone? 3.Is there a need to repair the harm? If you can say yes to all three, then you can run a conference.

12 VIDEO: Restorative Practice Introduction FOCUS: What a conference looks like Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach

13 Participants  Offender, Victim and any body else who has been affected Conference Facilitator  Have a pre-meeting with Victim and Offender to prepare for the conference  Must be neutral  Follows the script at all times  Begin Conference with a preamble  Use the 4 questions consistently Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach

14 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach Conference Seating Planner Teacher Victim’s Parent VICTIMOFFENDER Offender’s Parent Vice- Principal FACILITATOR Guidance Counsellor

15 Restorative Approaches: An Alternative Disciplinary Approach Thoughts on Restorative Approaches It takes time You need trained people to make it work, including guidance counsellors, CYW’s and administration Entire staff needs training and support/ entire staff needs to be “on board” It takes patience and understanding at first. It is difficult for some to accept. Communication is highly important to all stakeholders. It is both a proactive and reactive approach. It is the “Operating System” for all school programs