INTRODUCING RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

WHOLE OF STAFFOratia School

30 January 2013

Restorative Justice TrustHelen Bowen www.restorativejustice.org.nz

A restorative approach asks 4 key questions

What has happened?

Who has been affected?

How can we help those affected to find a find a way forward?

How can we do things differently next time?

Matthew

Matthew often comes to school with no shoes On Tuesday after PE, Kyle’s shoes go missing On Wednesday, Simon’s skateboard goes missing Jenny and Melissa come to Miss Brown (teacher)

on Thursday morning and advise her that they saw Matthew using Simon’s skateboard

after school and wearing Kyle’s shoes. Miss Brown asks Matthew if he knows anything

about the missing items and he agrees that he took them.

Restorative Chat - identifying the problem

Identifying “what has happened” Teacher draws a circle within a circle Teacher asks all involved to name the

problem Teacher writes the “problem” in the inner

circle eg “ losing my shoes” Emphasise “problem” not “person”

How does that make me feel ?

Teacher asks students how the problem they voiced makes them feel“victim/s” are asked to contribute first, then othersFeelings are written in outside circle

When all the effects have been explored…

Teacher draws another circle beside the first circles and says

“what else do we know about Matthew that does not involve this problem” ?

Matthew is then asked which circle he prefers

What can we do to address the harm?

Teacher asks those harmed what they would like to see happen

Teacher asks Matthew if he agrees and has other ideas

Teacher asks how can Matthew be supported with the making of amends

Who will supervise/ timeframe

Objects of RJ Practice

Primary focus is How have the relationships within

the class/school been affected ?….rather than who is at fault

What will it take to restore those relationships?

(rather than demanding retribution for the harm done)

What can be done to address the harm?

Brene Brown: The power of Vulnerability

What did you learn about yourself? Did you think about people in the school

community who you consider are vulnerable?

Does the knowledge you have gained from Brene alter the way you see your role?

Any other comments?