Restorative Justice in Schools

Restorative Justice Conferencing in schools has been piloted in several areas of the country. In January 2003 both the Youth Justice Board and The Childrens' Fund backed a project to be run by Medway Mediation. The project has introduced restorative problem solving in four local schools. When this pilot scheme finishes this April, it is anticipated that it will be extended to other interested schools.
This new approach tries to sort out conflicts and anti?social behaviour by listening to the views and feelings of all those involved. It attempts to resolve these difficulties by putting right the harm that has been done in a calm and positive way. Usually a group meeting is arranged so that all those who have been affected by the incident are able to take part and say how they feel. Attending the meeting is totally voluntary. This approach is just one of several options open to the school.

How does it work?

• If there is a problem and it is felt that it would be helpful, either an informal or more formal group meeting will be arranged. It may only be necessary to see the pupils and fellow supporters. In more formal meetings, parents, carers or a fellow pupil will be invited to attend. Remember no one is pressured into attending.
  
  
• A member of staff or someone from outside the school, who has been specially trained, will speak to everyone who will be attending to ensure that they feel safe and comfortable and to this end there are a few 'ground rules', for example, treating everyone at the meeting with equal respect and keeping things confidential.
  
  
• During the meeting, the facilitator, (the teacher or the person from outside the school) will make sure everyone has a chance to speak about the incident and to say how they have been affected and what they need to see happen to put things right. The facilitator does not take sides nor impose a solution. If a solution is reached, an agreement is signed and each person attending receives a copy.
  
  
• The meeting gives the person who has done the harm a chance to put things right and for everyone to move forward.
  
  
• By focussing, not on punishment but on relationships this process encourages young people to accept responsibility for what they have done, to make amends and to learn and grow. It is not an 'easy option'.