Restorative Justice Circles Facilitator Training

A little about this project with our Featured Charity - The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice.  For more information, contact Joanie Underwood, joan-underwood@sbcglobal.net.  THIS SESSION IS FULL.  ANOTHER SESSION WILL BE HELD NEXT SPRING.

Restorative Justice Circles (RJ Circles)

How RJ circles work: restorative practices take incidents that might otherwise result in punishment and create opportunities or students to:

1.      Become aware of the impact of their behavior

2.      Understand the obligation to take responsibility for their actions. Take steps toward making things right.

 RJ Circles have 3 Tiers. Tier I 85% of students fall into this category. Tier II 10% of students fall into this category and Tier III 5 % of students fall into this category. This tiers are based on the severity of the infractions or level of aggression and occurrence.

Where Rotarians can assist in RJ Circles: During Tier III, circles are held for major infractions of the rules, fighting, major disrespect towards a teacher, chronic misbehavior in multiple classrooms, and after Tier II circles have not produced the desired change in behaviors. Tier III involves all parties involved and allows both sets of parents, a community member for support, School Administration (Principal, Counselor, SRO) and the RJ facilitator.

Rotarians can become community supporters. This requires a one month, from time of the incident and RJ circle, commitment where a Rotarian would communicate with the student twice a week to see how everything is going since the incident. This allows an open line of communication with the child to make sure they are withholding their end of the agreement as well as having their needs met by the other participants. This requires NO training. Just a time commitment.

 

Rotarians can also become RJ Circle Facilitators. To become a facilitator, training is required.

 

Training:

·         When: September 30^th and October 1^st.

·         Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 1 hr. and 15 mins for lunch

·         Where: Topeka Center for Peace and Justice 2914 SW MacVicar Ave

·         Cost: Free, paid for by TCPJ Grant from Downtown Rotary

The training is provided by: KIPCOR Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Newton, KS