When students are removed from the school environment, these programs seek to help them come back in a healthy, positive, and productive way. A goos re-entry for any student requires thought, preparation, and planning. The format most frequently used for re-entry is the Restorative Circle, involving a vartiety of participants and the students themselves in order to maximize the positive impact, provide plenty of support, and helping to ensure success.

The planning for a re-entry process should begin as soon as the student is removed, with the circle itself happening closer to the student's return.