About Restorative Justice (RJ)

Restorative Justice provides research based practices to change the culture within a school community.  The implementation of RJ promotes a shift away from traditional methods of discipline that punishes or shames students in an attempt to correct behavior.  Instead, Restorative Justice helps build strong relationships within a school community.  Respect and responsibility are seen as the upmost importance with all community members- teachers, students, parents, and staff. When harm has been done, RJ teaches students to take responsibility and repair the harm caused through mediation and conferencing. With proper implementation, Restorative Justice practices can change the school community to a culture based on care and equity.