An examination into the use of the restorative justice model as an alternative to expulsion for extreme behaviour in schools
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Date
2003
Authors
Baldwin, Gordon A.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2003
Abstract
This study explores the use of the Community Conferencing Process, from The
Restorative Justice Model, as a tool for school administrators to employ when dealing
with students whose behaviour has been highly disruptive or dangerous. Traditionally,
such students have been disciplined by excluding them through suspension or expulsion.
This paper offers evidence from three case studies, in an urban setting, where the use of a
conferencing approach resulted not only in the restoration of peace and safety within the
school but also in significant learning for those involved in the incidents and for their
families. Moreover, all students concerned were able to maintain their places in their
school following the conference in which they participated. The key concepts of
Community Conferencing are discussed, including the importance of perpetrators owning
responsibility for their actions, the subsequent offering of meaningful restitution to those
most affected, and the opportunities for healing created for all participants by the process.
In the end, the Community Conferencing Process is seen not as a silver bullet but as a
potentially useful additional strategy for administrators to include in their overall school
discipline plan.
Description
vi, 68 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
School discipline , Restorative justice , Student expulsion -- Prevention