A Case Study of Restorative Justice Practices in a Youth Nonprofit Context

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting Development Across the Lifespan (Table 5)

Abstract

In recent years, punitive practices in education have been increasingly replaced with approaches grounded in restorative justice, offering benefits for the development of young people. This case study outlines the ways in which a youth nonprofit organization has been successfully applying the restorative justice framework to support students of color from under-resourced communities and strengthen their relationships with peers and adults. First, we explain how researchers at the organization gauge students’ need for support through a mixed-methods approach (survey, interview, focus group). Then, we offer several examples of restorative justice practices in place that are meant to repair harm, strengthen relationships, and promote healing.

Authors

• Irena Acic, The Possible Zone

• Jenny Fernandez, The Possible Zone

• Daina Estime, The Possible Zone