Restorative Practice
Restorative Practice has two purposes - building community and responding to challenging situations. It began here in Australia as Restorative Justice and has developed over the last three decades or more. It is now being used in schools, workplaces and communities as well. Current best practice draws on experience and evidence from across cultures and all over the world.
Restorative Practice generally asks three questions:
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Circle talk |
Restorative practice brings together people who are connected to a situation or community. Sitting in a circle, each person shares their point of view if they choose to.
The group listens respectfully while each person around the circle has their turn to speak, giving everyone the chance to feel that they are seen, heard, and respected. Sometimes it is enough to have talked things through. Sometimes the group may choose to take some time to contemplate what has been said before returning to the circle again. Sometimes the group will explore and agree on specific, practical outcomes or next steps. |
Guidelines |
Restorative Practice is about relationships, so it is important that everyone can feel safe, be open and honest and be treated with respect.
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