Restorative Practice
RESTORATIVE PRACTICE
The key premise of a restorative approach is that people are happier, more co-operative, and more likely to make positive changes if those in positions of authority work with them rather than to or for them. Restorative practice involves providing people with the right support and encouragement to enable them to reach their goals (high support), providing positive challenge and holding people to account in a meaningful and constructive way (high enquiry).
This approach supports individuals, families and communities to find solutions to their own problems and not telling them what they should do. It brings those harmed by conflict and those responsible for the harm together in communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
Although we acknowledge not all children, young people and their networks that are within our service come to us on a voluntary basis. We still strive to work towards the six principles.
- Restoration – the primary aim of restorative practice is to address and repair harm.
- Voluntarism – participation in restorative processes is voluntary and based on informed choice.
- Neutrality – restorative processes are fair and unbiased towards participants.
- Safety – processes and practice aim to ensure the safety of all participants and create a safe space for the expression of feelings and views about harm that has been caused.
- Accessibility – restorative processes are non-discriminatory and available to all those affected by conflict and harm.
- Respect – restorative processes are respectful to the dignity of all participants and those affected by the harm caused.
Restorative practice will be used everywhere to build and restore relationships by enabling practitioners to communicate effectively and positively. We embed the approaches in staff meetings and team building days to build strong, positive relationships and based around a foundation of mutual respect.
