Engaging Youth and Increasing School Connectedness through the Use of Restorative Approaches

A growing body of research indicates that “zero tolerance” school discipline policies are harmful to students.  These policies frequently result in the broad application of severe punishment, increasing the rates of out-of-school suspension and expulsion and disproportionately affecting minority students while failing to make schools safer. 

At the same time, evidence shows that school connectedness—the belief held by students that adults and peers in the school care about their learning as well as about them as individuals—is an important protective factor that helps children and adolescents avoid behaviors that place them at risk for adverse health and educational outcomes.

Restorative approaches, which emphasize relationship-building and the reparation of harm over punishment, are an emerging alternative to punitive “zero tolerance” practices.  In alignment with strategies outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), restorative practices show promise as a method for increasing school connectedness by creating decision-making processes that facilitate student engagement and fostering trusting and caring relationships that promote open communication among teachers, staff, and students.

In New Orleans, LA, a partnership between the Center for Restorative Approaches and Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools and supported by the local health department has advocated for the expansion of restorative approaches in public schools, training schools in restorative practices and engaging young people in the development of restorative justice programs.

This presentation shares the findings, results, and lessons learned from this project, including youth perspectives on the value and importance of the use of restorative approaches in schools.