Purpose Of The Restorative Practices Framework

Restorative Practice Framework

The fundamental hypothesis of the Restorative Practices Framework is that “human beings are happiest, healthiest, and most likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in authority do things with them rather than to them or for them” (Wachtel, 2013, p. 3). Schools and communities that embody the Restorative Practices Framework philosophy create an atmosphere that emphasizes the creation of connections with all members. Schools build an environment where students and staff build relationships through proactive and informal discussions to help build connections with one another. Students who feel connected to school “are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and succeed academically” (Centers
The Restorative Practices Framework spans from informal affective statements to formal restorative conferences in order to repair harm. Affective statements provide opportunities to share their feelings about situations and probe for information about the feelings and attitudes of others. In classrooms, informal and formal circles proactively build community, as they provide all students an equal opportunity to participate. The purpose of a circle might be “conflict resolution, healing, support, decision making, information exchange, and relationship development” (Wetchel, 2013, p.7). Another avenue for repairing harm is a restorative formal conference. Once harm has occurred, a restorative conference script bringing together the offender(s) and the victim(s) to repair harm and make things right (Wetchel, 2013; Clifford, n.d.). Individuals work together to mend relationships and create solutions viable for all involved. Additionally, the reconciliation protocol allows for fair process, which consists of engagement, explanation, and clear expectations amongst all individuals to participate in solution making process (Wetchel,