This document serves as a resource for building a “restorative school.” We begin by clarifying what we mean by “restorative schools”—defining the key terms, identifying current policies and practices, and presenting our own examples. We then outline the challenges, benefits, and conditions for success—including the various issues facing youth-serving agencies working within the education system—and provide recommendations to those working within the youth sector to use restorative practices to improve outcomes for young people.
This document is part of the Restorative Schools Early Diversion Pilot Project, which brought together various partners and stakeholders in the youth justice and education systems to develop a framework for changing the way we respond to and understand school-based conflict and adolescent misbehaviour.