RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
What is Restorative Practices?
All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.
Restorative practices is a social science that examines how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as build social connections within communities and the work place.
Restorative practices is being applied in the following settings:
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K-12 Schools/Districts and Higher Education
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Community Health
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Organizational Leadership and Organizations
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Criminal Justice
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Counseling and Social Work
All are welcomed to sign up for trainings through Paradigm Shift Solutions and consulting with Stephen Shepherd.
PSS + International Institute for Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices Trainings
Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively
Days 1 & 2
From day one, you will learn a range of strategies you can use every day. You'll learn how to set high expectations while being supportive. You'll practice how to provide direct feedback and how to ask questions that foster accountability, and you'll also learn the most effective methods to resolve common conflicts.
We devote the second day entirely to teaching attendees to facilitate restorative circles. Circles are an essential process for building social capital, resolving social problems and responding when harm occurs. Circles create a positive learning environment.
You will learn by participating in circles with other attendees; taking turns to learn how to facilitate. By the end of the day, you will be prepared to return to your setting and run your first circle!
Facilitating Restorative Conferences
Days 3 & 4
Effective responses to incidents of conflict, wrongdoing and harm are the hallmark of restorative practices. We dedicate two full days to teaching you how to facilitate a formal, scripted circle process to address racial incidents, bullying, vandalism and other serious infractions.
You'll learn all the steps required to conduct a restorative justice conference, from determining the readiness of victims, offenders, their families and friends to participate to running the formal meeting itself.
Even if you are not responsible for conducting conferences yourself, you'll learn how to better address everyday conflict and incidents in your workplace and community. Skills taught include monitoring your own reactions in stressful situations, listening with empathy and creating shared understanding among conflicting parties.