Restorative justice has role in schools

Media Release

9 February 2007

Children’s Commissioner says restorative justice has role in schools

Respectful Schools: Restorative Practices in Education a new report by Victoria University’s Institute of Policy Studies researchers, is a wonderful resource to help principals and boards of trustees build inclusive and respectful school cultures that improve all aspects of school functioning says Children’s Commissioner, Dr Cindy Kiro.

The report, by Sean Buckley and Dr Gabrielle Maxwell, from the University’s Institute of Policy Studies, was sponsored by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and is being launched this afternoon at the University’s Pipitea Campus by Her Excellency, Susan Satyanand and Secretary for Education, Karen Sewell.

Dr Kiro said the project was born out of discussions with a number of key people in the education and youth justice sector.

“There was (sic) wide-spread concerns about the number of students dropping out from schools - often after disciplinary measures were taken - and the impact of these young people living in their communities and often appearing in district youth courts.”

“Research was undertaken on the premise that there must be better ways of working with students and their families that enabled all parties – schools, students, families – to remain focused on keeping students engaged in their learning and at school. ”

“Major benefits have been identified as a result of introducing restorative justice practices in the schools used as case studies in Respectful Schools. The report will be distributed to all New Zealand school principals. It provides case studies from schools that have used restorative justice practices and it identifies key factors in the successful introduction of this approach. Any principal interested in identifying alternatives to removing students from schools and introducing restorative justice practices will find these guidelines invaluable.”

“It is a very positive and accessible report that provides a beacon for learning for schools, so that we can build the best possible and most positive environment for our children,” said Dr Kiro.

Dr Gabrielle Maxwell said there has been growing interesting in developing practices based on restorative justice to respond to behaviour problems and under-achievement of students in schools.

“Schools involved in using ‘restorative practices’ that focused on repairing relationships were asked questions about how they used these practices, who was involved, what the outcomes were and the effects of these outcomes on other education and social matters. Outcomes such as lowering truancy rates, better teacher /student relationships and increased academic performances could be tracked back to restorative practice methods and strategies,” said Dr Maxwell.

Minister of Education, Hon Steve Maharey, is also supportive of restorative justice practices.

“Restorative practices have promise as a way to help schools establish themselves as communities that are supportive, tolerant and respectful. All New Zealanders have a responsibility to guide our children and young people in developing positive relationships and restorative practices can contribute to this effort,” said Minister Maharey.

Ends.

© Scoop Media