Restorative Justice is focused on the belief that those individuals causing harm can work together with those affected by the harm to repair it and that this collaboration leads to true accountability. A restorative approach brings awareness that misconduct is part of the developmental process of every young person. Corrective responses to misconduct using punishment can actually increase the likelihood that the misbehavior will re-occur. Both the theory and practice of Restorative Justice emphasize: (1) identifying the harm, (2) involving all stakeholders, and (3) true accountability— repairing the harm and addressing its causes. Restorative Justice and restorative practices applied in our schools reflects an approach to wrongdoing and harmful behavior that aims to both prevent wrongdoing at all levels and intervene in offending behavior. Restorative practices help to build community, celebrate accomplishments, transform conflict, rebuild relationships that have been harmed, and reintegrate students who have been suspended or expelled. A restorative model fits well within the multi-tiered framework of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and is at the heart, a prevention based approach.

The training will be online from 9:00 am - 11:00 am on July 12, 19 & 26 and will be in person from 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm on August 5. It is funded by the School Climate Transformation Grant and will only be offered to Granger SD, Grandview SD, Mabton SD, Mt Adams SD, Sunnyside SD, Wahluke SD and Yakama Nation Tribal School.