Schools that have adopted the ancient principles of restorative justice in their approach to disciplinary matters are reporting better relationships with young people greater engagement in learning & a greater development of social & emotional competence among learners. Not surprisingly interest in restorative practices is growing. The highly visual Restorative Justice Pocketbook" provides an introduction to restorative practice (RP) in schools. Using cartoons diagrams & visual prompts to support the text it begins with some background to the approach & outlines a process that offers high levels of support to both victims & culprits. All parties involved in an incident or problem work in conference towards a solution. Wrongdoing is viewed through a relational lens whereby those involved come to understand the harm done to people & relationships. Accepting that such harm creates obligations & liabilities they then focus on repairing the damage & putting things right. A substantial proportion of the book details
- at script level
- how to conduct restorative conferences for incidents right across the behaviour spectrum to the point where parents & outside agencies may be involved. The practical examples are recognisable everyday scenarios & the step-by-step application of the restorative process is illuminating. Margaret Thorsborne & David Vinegrad are international experts in behaviour & relationships. Between them they have trained education facilitators & led RP & community conferencing programmes on five continents."