Our Restorative Approach

Implementation of restorative approaches in response to unwanted, distressed or challenging behaviours:

1. Restorative Enquiry:

   • Starting point for all restorative processes.
   • Involves active, non-judgmental listening.
   • Can be used with one person to help them reflect on a situation and find solutions.
   • Useful before and during face-to-face meetings.

2. Restorative Discussion:

   • Used in challenging situations, often between a more and less powerful person.
   • Skills include expressing and listening for feelings and needs.
   • Aims to understand why each person has acted the way they have.

3. Mediation:

   • Useful when both parties (X and Y) believe the other person is the cause of the problem.
   • The mediator remains impartial.
   • Helps both sides consider the problem as a shared issue requiring a joint solution.

4. Victim/Wrongdoer Mediation:

   • Useful when someone acknowledges causing harm to another person.
   • Both sides agree to find ways to put things right.
   • An impartial mediator assists in the process.

5. Restorative Conference:

   • Involves those who caused harm meeting with those they harmed.
   • Seeks to understand each other’s perspective.
   • Aims to reach a mutual agreement to repair the harm.
   • Supporters (usually affected individuals) participate and share their perspectives.