Responding to Harm

Healing and Accountability in Courts and Schools

Restorative Processes can be used as a preventative solution, reducing opportunities for harm and building more resilient communities. Sometimes, however, harm still occurs and responsive solutions are needed. Restorative processes can be used to respond to these harms, targeting and addressing specific words, actions, and events. Restorative circles are a powerful tool for addressing harm and fostering healing within communities, particularly in educational and judicial settings.

In Schools

In schools, restorative circles are used to create a dialogue around incidents of harm. They provide a platform for students to express their feelings, understand the impact of their actions, and work towards repairing relationships1. This approach has been shown to reduce conflicts and behavior problems, as it focuses on building relationships rather than imposing punitive punishments1.

In Courts

In the judicial system, restorative circles offer an alternative to traditional punitive measures. They involve the victim, the offender, and the community in a process that seeks to repair the harm caused by crime2. This method emphasizes healing for all parties involved and rebuilding relationships within the community2.