RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: What Are They and How Do They Function within the Newburgh Enlarged City School District?

WHAT ARE RESTORATIVE PRACTICES?

 Restorative Practices (RP) build and strengthen relationships by creating a “Culture of Care” that develops and maintains a sense of belonging among the community. RP also addresses harm done to others by promoting accountability and responsibility. The goal is to build, maintain, and repair relationships so that individuals and communities grow closer together.

HOW DO RESTORATIVE PRACTICES HELP US?

• Create a sense of community
• Build healthy relationships
• Strengthen conflict resolution skills 
• Improve Sense of Belonging

WHAT ARE CIRCLES?

All those involved sit in a circle and begin a discussion using a talking piece to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to listen. Circles are powerful because the process promotes equitable and welcoming learning environments.  Circles have been used to help build community for thousands of years. Some of the earliest known tribes, across all continents, used Circles to meet and discuss the most important matters in their communities.

3 TIERS OF RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

• TIER 3: REPAIR CIRCLES

  REPAIR HARM & REINTEGRATE

  Repair relationships using conferencing and welcome back with a fresh start

   

   

  TIER 2: MEDIATION CIRCLES

  MEDIATE CONFLICT

   Maintain Relationships when minor conflict occurs

   

  TIER 1: COMMUNITY BUILDING CIRCLES

   BUILD COMMUNITY

  Build and strengthen Relationships

   

   

  THE 5 R’s of RP

  RELATIONSHIPS

  • Central to building an inclusive community
  • Build systems that develop & strengthen healthy relationships

   

  RESPECT

  • Provide a voice for the person that has been harmed
  • Improve social behavior 

   

  RESPONSIBILITY

  • Emphasis placed on the harm rather than the offense
  • Understand the impact of the harm

   

  RESTORATION

  • Collaborative problem solving
  • Empowers change & growth

   

  REINTEGRATION

  • Person who has done the harm is welcomed back into the environment

     

   
  

For more information contact: 

Michael Regan, LCSW

Director of Pupil Personnel Services

mregan@necsd.net

LINK TO RESTORATIVE PRACTICE FEBRUARY 2023 NEWSLETTER

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!