RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES FOR SUPPORTING YOUTH: Why restorative practices with our youth?

Unprecedented challenges that our youth have encountered in recent years have had devastating effects on their mental health. The current “youth mental health crises”  as acknowledged in the U.S. surgeon general’s recent special report, calls us to deepen our listening and caregiving for our young persons. Restorative justice practices (RJPs) build skills to support positive, thriving, empowered relationships and can transform how we show up for our youth whether it be within our family systems, schools, community or extracurricular activities.  Join us to share understandings about RJPs with youth supporters whether it be as parents, teachers, coaches, community organizers or other caregivers for our young persons.

In this overview session we will address what RJPs are and why we should consider them for supporting youth.  We will share and receive ideas about challenges our youth are experiencing and how RJPs can enhance our relationships with and support of young persons.  We will engage in a restorative circle with an intention to resource us to compassionately hold space with our youth.