Outline of
Restorative Practice; Managing
Conflict, Strengthening Relationships, Building Peaceful Communities.
The aim of Restorative Practice is to manage conflict
by repairing harm and strengthening relationships as a way of building a safe
and peaceful community. It is changing the culture in our schools.
The presentation by the
The presentation is activity based which will allow
participants to gain a knowledge of the process and use this
to implement the practice. A wide range of resources will presented, including
the
RESTORATIVE PRACTICE
Definition:
It is an approach to manage conflict by repairing harm and
strengthening relationships as a way of building a safe and
peaceful community.
Principles:
1.
It is fair and
respectful of all those involved.
2.
It is firm and
there is an expectation of accountability.
3.
It is a healing
process which repairs harms resulting from a conflict.
4.
It is
future-focused and acts to strengthen and restore relationships.
5.
It involves all
those who have been harmed or who have caused harm in a conflict.
Skills of a facilitator:
1.
able to listen
carefully
2.
able to read body
language
3.
able to summarize
facts and feelings
4.
able to recognize
feelings of others
5.
able to understand
the importance of confidentiality
6.
able to recognize
group dynamics
7.
able to engage
others in conversation with open questions
8.
able to give
empathic appropriate responses
Restorative Practice Continuum
Informal conversation Intervention meeting Formal conference
----------/\----------------/\-----------/\----------------/\-----------/\-------------
Process:
This process is used in the
offender-victim conflict in which the offender admits guilt.
Use the Restorative Practice
Facilitator Guide 1 (Offender/Victim)
It is a healing process for
all parties but it does not eliminate punishment.
Observations of the Process:
1. All parties of the
conflict are involved, including family and friends.
2. Rules of the meeting are set out at the
beginning.
a)
everyone must
listen while others are speaking
b)
no put downs are
allowed
c)
no interruptions
are allowed
d)
meeting could be
suspended if no progress is being made
3. The goal of the process is
to give help and not to judge.
4. Everyone works together
for a solution.
5. There are
no ‘why’ questions.
6. The physical arrangement
is a circle.
7. The resolution agreement
could be verbal or written.
8. It is a very respectful
atmosphere.
9. The feelings of the victim
are taken into account and the harm is repaired.
OPHA Workshops:
Most of the following OPHA workshops are suitable for Grades 7-12. as they can be easily adapted to any of these age groups. They can also be presented to teachers and senior peer helpers in a 'train the trainer' model.
COMMUNICATIONS & MOTIVATIONAL WORKSHOP - This is great for starting a peer helper program or for one already going. It can be presented anywhere to any number.
‘BANISH BULLYING BY CARING’ WORKSHOP - An activity based workshop suitable for Grades 4-12. This workshop is ideal for starting a school campaign on anti-bullying.
‘CELEBRATING SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES’ -Valuing and dealing with diversity in others, is the theme of this activity based workshop. An excellent way to teach students to value similarities and differences in others!
T.R.U.C.E.-
Peer Mediation Workshop - Training in mediation skills will be the
main theme of this workshop. The skills are invaluable in a school setting and
will be introduced through a series of activities. An activity based workshop suitable for
Grades 7-12
·
A knowledge of the nature of conflicts
·
An understanding of different responses to
conflict
·
Good communication skills
·
An understanding of Confidentiality
Regional Workshops- The above workshops are presented
to groups of students (70-100) from different schools. The idea is based on the ‘train the trainer’
model. Workshop participants will be
given ideas and materials so they can return to their schools to implement a
program. Cost is $15 per student & $10.00 per advisor.
School Workshop – This
is designed for a group of 30-60 student leaders or peer
helpers from one school. The workshop could be part of a leadership
training program or used to initiate a program in the school. Workshop Costs -
$300 for OPHA members ($330 for non members) plus travel costs ( 40 cents per km) & accommodation & meals if needed.
Contact OPHA at peerhelping@hotmail.com Phone : 905-372-7275
Website: peerhelping.com
FOR MORE
INFORMATION CONTACT OPHA AT peerhelping@hotmail.com
" TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE"
For
more information on this program contact O.P.H.A.