Restorative Practices

Research has shown that restorative justice programs have resulted in positive outcomes for employees. Complainants and respondents have reported higher satisfaction with participation in restorative justice programs compared to traditional justice programs (Andiappan & Treviño, 2010; Zehr, 2015; Kidder, 2007). Often utilized in school settings, restorative justice programs have been successful at reducing disciplinary referrals and repeat offenses (Katic, et al., 2020). The creation of a more positive campus culture can ultimately lead to a more productive workplace (Seppälä & Cameron, 2015).

The goal of the RJ program is to infuse restorative principles into current practices and procedures.

- Tier 1
  Team and Community Building (Prevent/Relation)
  
  Tier 1 is characterized by the use of effective communication skills and practice (discussion circles) to build relationships, create shared values, guidelines, and goals. Tier 1 promotes restorative conversations following disruptions and/or preemptively addresses difficult issues within communities or work groups. The goal is to build a supportive, intentional, and equitable community with conditions conducive to learning and working. Tier 1 circles can be utilized within work groups, larger departments or portfolios, and across the broader campus community.
  
  Tier 1 can address the following:
  - Who are we?
  - What are our stories?
  - What are our core values?
  - What is important to us?
  - What kind of community do we want?
  - How do we want to treat each other?
  - How will we all contribute?
- Tier 2
  Restorative Accountability Processes (Intervention/Repair)
  
  Tier 2 is characterized by the use of non-punitive response to harm and conflict in the form of healing circles, restorative mediation, or group conferencing to respond to issues of harm in a restorative manner. This process addresses the root causes of the harm, includes all impacted parties or representatives of all impacted groups, supports meaningful accountability for the harmer(s), and promotes healing for the harmed parties, the harmer(s), and the larger community.
  
  Tier 2 can address the following:
  - What happened?
  - Who has been impacted? In what way?
  - What are the harms to be addressed?
  - What needs do we have?
  - What will make things right?
  - How do we rebuild relationships?
  - How do we address this in a restorative way?
- Tier 3
  Reintegration (Individualized/Reintegrate)
  
  Tier 3 is characterized by support and successful re-entry of employees due to periods of absences with or without leave. The goal is to welcome members back to the campus community in a manner that provides structured support, promotes accountability, and achievement for that individual to ensure they are a successful and contributing member of their workplace.
  
  Tier 3 can address the following:
  - How do we support this individual(s)?
  - How do we support harmed parties?
  - Has the individual taken responsibility?
  - How do we prevent recurrence?
  - How will we welcome this person back?
  - What resources do we need for successful reintegration?

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