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Restorative Justice Programs

Over 25 years of Service

 Conflict finds resolution with trusted practices

Feathers

Classroom
Circles
Training

The circle is a dialog process that works intentionally to create a safe space to discuss everything from working to build culture, misunderstandings, to very difficult or painful issues in order to improve relationships and resolve differences.


The intent of the circle is to find resolutions that serve every member of the circle. The
process is based on an assumption of equal worth and dignity for all participants  and therefore provides equal voice to all participants. Every participant has gifts to offer in finding a good solution to the problem.


The circle process is deliberate in discussing how the conversation will be held before
discussing the difficult issues. Consequently, the circle works on values and guidelines before talking about the differences or conflict.

 

Where possible the circle also works on relationship building before discussing the difficult issues. – Kay Pranis 

In-person training for schools

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Up to 20 in a class 

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6 hours 

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Classroom Circles Training

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Overview

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  • Circles that Build Community

  • Circles that teach Restorative Concepts and Skills

  • Circles that Set Things Right

  • Using these methods consistently will help to create calmer, more focused students

  • Schools that use these methods often find that they overall proportion of time dedicated to managing behavior is reduced. This means more instructional time becomes available. 

  • It also means that students have happier, more peaceful experiences of their school days. 

 

Proactive Community Building Circles

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  • Adults who have used circles feel

    • More connected with students​

    • Have increased understanding, patience, and compassion

    • Are reminded of why they chose to work with youth

    • Find their schools to be more peaceful and focused

    • They see authentic social and emotional learning occur

    • They see youth mature during the year and become more skillful in their interactions with others

  • Proactive Circles -- 80% (you are building a culture) ​

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Responsive Circles

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  • Should account for 20% of the circles that are done within a setting

  • Are intentional and address conflict and manage tension 

  • Allow a safe place for people to discuss issues as they arise

  • Responsive circles include but are not limited to:

    • patterns of behavior​

    • interpersonal issues

    • grief and loss

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