Restorative Justice through Restorative Circles


Restorative justice is a philosophy that recognizes that different approaches are needed in our criminal justice and school disciplinary systems.

As research shows, student suspensions and expulsions often are connected to higher rates of future involvement with the criminal justice system. This typically is labeled the school-to-prison pipeline, and it disproportionately impacts students of color and students with disabilities.

The Anaheim Union High School District has developed a systematic restorative justice approach that includes increased mental health awareness and support. Restorative practices are a key component of creating a culture that honors the trauma many youth experience, while holding them accountable for harmful behaviors that arise from that trauma.

In addition, trauma-informed restorative practices keep vulnerable youth in school, making them safe and academically connected. In shifting from punitive discipline to restorative practices, it is imperative that teachers and other adults understand that their own reactions to student behavior may trigger a cycle of negative results. Through mindfulness training, teachers become more aware of their own trauma and potential triggers.

A Dialogue Process
Restorative circles bring together three parties to a conflict — those who have acted, those directly impacted and the school community — within a chosen systemic context to dialogue as equals.

The dialogue process is shared openly with all participants. Practitioners often find, however, that punishment-oriented conditioning is difficult to overcome, even among students. Their default response to the question “What can we do to make things right?” often has to do with punishment.

It is said that “children live what they learn.” When what they have learned is that troublesome behavior demands a punishment-oriented response, that is how they will live. It is important, therefore, that facilitators working with educators help widen the lens to focus on restoring rather than punishing.

The process ends when actions have been found that bring mutual benefit that nurtures the inherent integrity of all those involved in the conflict.

Restorative circles are facilitated in three stages that arise in an approximate sequence and identify the key factors in the conflict, reach agreements on next steps and evaluate the results. As circles form, they invite shared power, mutual understanding and self-responsibility within community.


— MICHAEL MATSUDA