Our work with schools
Downeast Restorative Justice provides professional development for schools. We also provide training, coaching and lead education sessions with students as well.
Our goals are to:
1. Encourage the use of restorative practices in schools (which leads to positive school culture) and promote the use of restorative discipline policies that do not necessarily separate youth from school (e.g. suspensions, etc.), holding them accountable yet connected to school; and,
2. Supporting schools that have begun, or are in the process of making, the transition toward a restorative approach with our county-wide school network*. Problem behaviors that can lead to suspension, such as substance use, stealing or fighting, are very often indicators of deeper underlying problems. Restorative practices can prevent problem behavior from escalating into the community or into criminal charges. This approach offers a structure for assessing the needs of the victim, school community and offender in addressing the root causes of problem behaviors.;
3. Making the CRC referral process directly available to schools when addressing behaviors that lead to suspensions or expulsions (if this incident also entails a juvenile charge, these cases often get referred to the DRJ two months after the fact by the courts).
Interested in bringing Downeast Restorative Practices to your school? Please contact all@DowneastRestorativeJustice.org
Download our School and Community Brochure