1. Restorative Justice Practices
Youth and Adult Partnership: Better Classroom Management
Colonial Community Criminal Justice Board

2. What is Restorative Justice Practice?
A philosophy of justice that emphasizes on repairing the harm caused by negative actions. This philosophy is focused on the of healing relationships that have been broken by conflict and crime.
Practices and programs reflecting restorative principles will respond to the wrong doing by:
1. identifying and taking steps to repair harm,  
2. involving all  stakeholders, and
3. transforming the traditional relationship of retribution to reparative between communities and their response to the wrong doing

3. Restorative Justice Practice
Students learn:
1. Recognition
2. Victimization/Impaction
3. Empathy
4. Respect
5. Positive processing
6. Pro-social relationship building
7. Boundary setting
8. Problem solving
9. Appropriate reintegration
Benefits of usage:
1. Issues can be addressed prior to escalation
2. Consequence to fit the action
3. Focus on relationships
4. Positive conflict resolution
5. Appropriate reintegration of student
6. Conducive environment for teaching and learning
7. Overall collaborative atmosphere between students, families and faculty
8. Recertification Points

4. Restorative Justice RJ Practices Conferencing Mediation
Victim assistance
Ex-offender assistance
Restitution
Community service
Who is using RJP
Schools
Courts
Criminal Justice Agencies
Communities
Promoting better behavior, respect, attitude, conflict resolution, empowerment, a sense of ownership, repairing of relationships and setting appropriate expectations for the next step!

5. Restorative Justice started Fall 2006 with Conferencing
Findings from Schools Implementing Restorative Practices Source: S. Rodriguez, Principal, Pottstown High School Feb. 2009; Improving School Climate
Pottstown High School, Pottstown PA
Grades 9-12, 63 Teachers, 873 Students
School experiencing following issues along with academic probation in Fall 2005
Lack of community spirit, Disrespect to teachers, Cutting classes, Classroom disruption, and Physical fights.
Restorative Justice started Fall 2006 with Conferencing
Removed from academic probation
Student test scores have improved
Behavior has improved with reduction in discipline problems
Staff are united and inspired (“Teachers used to be afraid to deal with students in the hallways; and students felt that staff were like police. There’s no more feeling of us versus them. Staff and kids are all one team”)

6. Pottstown High School Outcomes
Other Schools that have achieved similar outcomes of reduced incidents and increased positive school climate:
West Philadelphia High School Newtown Middle School
Palisades High School Palisades Middle School
Springfield Township High School

7. What’s happening in JHS
Restorative Justice Practice> 9th grade core
CIRCLES
CONFERENCING
Introduction of Restorative Justice> Spring 2009
Practice Workshop> June 2009
Faculty began experimenting with Restorative Justice Practices> Fall 2009
Monthly workshops (re-certs earned)> provision of support, updates and group resolution and planning for next steps

8. What are CIRCLES? Types of Circles
Designed to assist in classroom management, academic issues and relationship growth by:
Endorsing relationships and opening communication
Encouraging community and accountability within the classroom
Creating a group culture
Types of Circles
Check In/Out
Classroom Management
Academic Business/Goal Setting
Behavior
“When people feel connected to one another through mutual understanding and empathy, they are less likely to misbehave or treat others disrespectfully”

9. What’s Conferencing?
Through face to face meeting with all involved parties, the “wrong doer” has a direct say in how the harm can be repaired with understanding the full impact of the situation. Benefits 1. Resolution is more meaningful, effective and fits the wrong doing 2. Most participants do not re-offend 3. Both victim and wrong doers needs are met 4. Increased communication and leadership skills 5. Creates a successful plan of reintegration with expectations re-established Goal of the conference is to REPAIR RELATIONSHIPS and establish a successful and agreed upon future plan.

10. QUESTIONS?
Making the school environment more conducive to better learning and promoting positive relationships, increasing academic performance, test scores and attendance.