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  • All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter, and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.

    Restorative practices is a field within the social sciences that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.

    Though newer to the social sciences, restorative practices have deep roots within Indigenous communities throughout the world.

     

    Restorative practices are based on five principles, or "R's": Relationship, Respect, Responsibility, Repair, and Reintegration.

    Restorative practices can help people:

    -Improve their social and emotional skills

    -Develop conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills

    -Strengthen their sense of connection with others

    -Repair harm in a restorative way instead of using punishment 

     

     
     

  • A Tale of Two Schools

     

    It is optimal to integrate restorative approaches into the daily practices of organizations serving youth to establish a positive climate and build social and emotional skills before introducing restorative justice into situations of conflict and harm.