Restorative approaches training sessions
From Norfolk RCC
News Added:2012/01/31
Norfolk: On our way to becoming a restorative County Restorative approaches have been used successfully in Norfolk for a number of years. There are a number of different practices that are used, but each supports people to build and maintain relationships, and enables everyone affected by a particular incident to have a voice and a role in repairing harm and finding a positive way forward. The successful use of restorative approaches has led to a commitment that Norfolk will be a restorative County by 2015.
A number of agencies are working together to achieve this ambition. These include:
- Norfolk County Council
- Norfolk Constabulary,
- All 7 District Councils
- Norfolk Probation Norfolk Magistrates Schools
- Norfolk Police Authority Norfolk Association of Local Councils
- Voluntary Sector organisations
After great success in schools and in the workplace this training is being offered to Parish and Town Councils and others in community settings
Contents |
What is a Restorative Approach?
It is a method of resolving disputes and conflict through communication. It is used in Criminal Justice, in the Workplace, in Schools and in Communities. There a number of strategies which can be used, depending on the setting and situation.
How does it work?
It brings people together and gives them an opportunity to express their feelings in a calm and controlled environment with the help of an independent mediator.
How can it help in a community setting?
Restorative practices in communities resolve conflicts and neighbour disputes before they escalate into crime. It is an effective approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour, graffiti, noise and criminal damage, enabling people to understand the impact of their behaviour on others. For victims of anti-social behaviour it delivers effective outcomes owned by the local community, and reduces the fear of crime.
Is it effective?
Using this approach we have already seen:
- Reduced exclusion rates
- Reduced persistent absentee rates
- Improved attendance (staff and pupils)
- Reduction in the number of incidents happening at school
- Reduction in the number of looked after children in the youth justice system
- Reduction in the number of young people entering the youth justice system
- Improved victim satisfaction rates
- Reduction in re-offending and anti-social behaviour
- Improved relationships
- Better team working
Want to know more?
A range of FREE one day training sessions are available throughout Norfolk during February and March. For more information and booking forms see:
www.rain-norfolkschools.org.uk
Should you want further information, please contact Kirsten Cooper, Restorative Approaches Development Manager
Kirsten.cooper@norfolk.gov.uk