Restorative Practices refer to the use of restorative justice principles outside of a criminal justice setting, such as schools, community organizations, government agencies, places of worship, and families. Restorative practices are used to respond to wrongdoing, repair relationships, improve communication, aid in decision-making, and build community.
“Restorative practices offer new opportunities for governments and communities to address the needs of those affected by crime, while also generating opportunities for positive changes throughout society.”
-- Lynette Parker, to the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, April 2005
"[Restorative practices] can create an ethic of care and justice that makes schools safer and happier, not only through reducing conflict, but also in terms of developing active citizenship skills, good self-esteem, open communication and team work in students.”
-- Belinda Hopkins, author of ‘Just Schools'
"The emerging field of 'restorative practices' offers a common thread to tie together theory, research and practice in seemingly disparate fields, such as education, counseling, criminal justice, social work and organizational management."
-- from the website of International Institute of Restorative Practices
