START A MEDIATION CASE
Restorative Justice at SEEDS
Principles of RJ
Instead of asking what law/rule was broken? Who broke it? What punishment is deserved?
Restorative Justice asks:
What is the harm? What is the needs and responsibilities of all those affected? How should those affected collectively address the needs and repair the harm?
At Juvenile Court
SEEDS has collaborated with The Alameda County Juvenile Court and other community based organizations and government agencies to create a strategic plan and implement restorative restitution circles and restorative group conferencing for youthful offenders, those they have harmed and other affected parties. These circles include the offending youth, victims, families and community members. All come together to talk about the incident and the resulting harm and trauma. The offender gets a chance to be accountable for their actions and the victim gets reparations in a real way that pertains to the harm done. Studies show victim satisfaction increases and recidivism rates are drastically reduced.
In Schools
SEEDS is helping local schools move from a punitive model of discipline, which alienates and isolates youth, toward a restorative model that seeks to understand and address the harm caused by wrongdoing. We are helping schools build community through the use of restorative practices, creating empathy and solidifying relationships. Our volunteers and staff are supporting teachers and staff in facilitating restorative circles. In schools where restorative discipline is practiced suspensions and disciplinary hearings have dropped considerably. Studies show that how well a child does in school depends on if they feel the teacher cares about them. Restorative discipline helps creates caring school and classroom communities and addresses discipline in a non-punitive manner.
In the Community
Restorative justice can be used with families, organizations, or any kind of group that needs to address an issue or conflict. A restorative practice such as a peacemaking circle can be used in this context to make sure there is an equitable exchange of ideas.