Q: Are Restorative Justice and Restorative Practice the Same?

At the Centre 4 Restorative Practices, we support the assertion that Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices share commonalities, but they are not exactly interchangeable terms. Both utilise facilitated processes and tools to rebuild relationships when harm has occurred, through engagement with everyone affected and by placing the community or individual harmed in a position by which their voice is the centre of agreements toward repair, yet there are subtle differences. Restorative Practice: An RP approach is proactive, and the community building focus and relational practices utilised in RP are aligned with first nations culture and thinking globally. Contemporary RP encompasses a range of social science principles and since the early 1970’s has gained community traction. Restorative processes are designed to support meaningful interactions within our communities every day, not just when a challenge arises, or harm occurs. RP lays the foundations for building and nurturing relationships and communities. It creates opportunities for inclusion, the development of positive behaviours, the enhancement of emotional literacy, and improved problem-solving. Restorative Justice: This approach shares the RP principles yet is a more responsive approach. Harm to individuals and communities has generally already occurred when RJ principles and processes are initiated, and this is often seen within the context of the criminal justice system.

Question 1

Are Restorative Justice and Restorative Practice the Same?

Accepted Answer

At the Centre 4 Restorative Practices, we’re dedicated to fostering stronger, more connected communities. Our FAQ section is here to answer your questions about Restorative Practices, their benefits, and how they can be implemented in schools, workplaces, and organisations.

Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, we’re here to guide you. Explore the questions below or reach out to us for personalised support.

Restorative Practice: An RP approach is proactive, and the community building focus and relational practices utilised in RP are aligned with first nations culture and thinking globally. Contemporary RP encompasses a range of social science principles and since the early 1970’s has gained community traction. Restorative processes are designed to support meaningful interactions within our communities every day, not just when a challenge arises, or harm occurs. RP lays the foundations for building and nurturing relationships and communities. It creates opportunities for inclusion, the development of positive behaviours, the enhancement of emotional literacy, and improved problem-solving.

Restorative Justice: This approach shares the RP principles yet is a more responsive approach. Harm to individuals and communities has generally already occurred when RJ principles and processes are initiated, and this is often seen within the context of the criminal justice system.

Question 2

How Would Restorative Practices Benefit Our School Community?

Accepted Answer

Restorative Practices encompass life, relationship and conflict navigation skills. Within your school community you will already utilise and be proficient in trauma informed practices and positive behaviour intervention and support strategies. Restorative Practices do not replace or override any of these strategies but will complement those current strategies.

The RP focus is more broadly on your entire school community, a site wide strategy for interaction, inclusion, enhanced problem solving and should harm occur, consistent steps to repair as much of the harm as possible. We have seen the positive impact RP can have on school communities relating to SEE, culture and increased time for teaching and learning. We’d love to talk with you about RP implementation for you school community.

Question 3

Do You Work Outside of South Australia?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If we are working with you, we are committed to traveling to your location, whether it’s a school, workplace, or organisation, anywhere in Australia.

To discuss access to our workshops or training sessions outside of Adelaide please reach out on email to discuss - crpcontact@centre4rp.com.au or phone 0421 462 989

Question 4

How Do I Know if Restorative Practices Are The Right Fit for My School, Workplace, or Organisation?

Accepted Answer

If your search has brought you to us, there is a good chance that RP is a great fit for your community. If these statements resonate with you, we’d love to talk with you:

Relationships matter and are crucial to work, life, community, and individual well-being.
Conflict is inevitable; therefore, enhanced capabilities for conflict navigation and responding to challenges are essential.
Accountability for actions and making amends are valuable in all communities and relationships.
Our current behaviour development strategies and conflict navigation pathways are not adequately meeting the needs of our community.

Question 5

Can you support an intervention of RP at our school?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking for formal Restorative Conference Facilitation our team is here to help. Our colleagues at Centre for Restorative Justice will be able to support and guide you through the steps in this process.  Reach out to them here

Question 6

Who are your workshops and training sessions for?

Accepted Answer

Restorative Practices are a life skill, a way of being and interacting with you community, so we say our sessions are for everybody everywhere. Although our work sees us predominantly in workplaces, organisation colleges and schools, you do not have to be any of those to take part in a training workshop. Talk with us  so we can support your learning.

Question 7

Are the workshops and training sessions held at your offices, or do you come to us?

Accepted Answer

We will come to you. Community, connection and belonging are the focus of Restorative Practices and being within your community, whilst working with your community is central to this.

Question 8

What outcomes can I expect from using Restorative Practices?

Accepted Answer

There is no black and white checklist of outcomes from Restorative Practice implementation, that will be ticked off when you begin to use Restorative Practices and processes. The reason you are seeking Restorative Practices will guide the outcomes you can expect. If you are unsure if Restorative Practice training is what you are looking for, talk with us.

Question 9

Do you offer customised Restorative Practice programs for organisations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, talk with us so we can work with you to understand how we can best support your unique community needs.

Question 10

How do I get started with Restorative Practices?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is easy, contact us and we can schedule a time to talk with you.

Question 11

Do you offer your workshops online?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 1.5 hr online introduction to RJ/RP, which is for those seeking to understand the very basics of what RJ/RP is, an introduction to fundamental principles and where it can be used within our communities. For all of our other Workshops we only provide face to face sessions. The very core of RP is about relationships and communities, and we strongly believe the best way to build capacity in these areas is to join your communities on the learning journey.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS