Restorative practices are a paradigm shift from traditional punitive processes to one that focuses on addressing harm and making amends.

Victim, offender and representatives of the wider community meet to share their experience of what happened, establish what harm was caused, and determine what the offender can do to repair the harm and how to make amends. This process requires the voluntary agreement of all parties to participate and abide by the decision made by the process.

Restorative practices empower those who have experienced harm by giving them a voice, while simultaneously offenders are uniquely given opportunity to express remorse, make amends to their victims and be held accountable for their actions.  

Restorative programs have been used successfully in schools, criminal justice systems, social service organizations and communities throughout the world.

Studies show: reduced recidivism, greater community safety and more effective use of community resources.

Circle Up offers training for individuals to incorporate restorative practices in diverse areas, including schools, workplaces, voluntary victim/offender reconciliation, and the criminal justice system.