Restorative Justice Conferencing
What Is a Restorative Justice Conference?
A Restorative Justice Conference (RJC) is a structured and facilitated meeting that brings together everyone affected by an incident of harm—including the person who caused the harm, the person who was harmed, and key supporters—to talk about what happened, how people were impacted, and what can be done to make things right. This isn’t a casual discussion. It’s a deliberate, safe and predictable process that promotes accountability, understanding, and repair.
Restorative Justice Conferences are one of the most formal practices within the Restorative Practices continuum. While many schools first learn about Restorative Practices as a response to behavior, RJCs go beyond traditional discipline by giving voice to all parties, promoting healing, and building a shared understanding of what accountability truly means.
In contrast, traditional disciplinary approaches tend to focus solely on the student who caused harm—issuing punishment while offering little to no support or voice to the person harmed. These systems can leave the harmed party feeling overlooked and unsupported, while doing little to prevent future harm. Restorative Justice Conferences take a different approach: they separate the deed from the doer, recognizing that people can cause harm and still be capable of learning, growth, and repair. RJCs create space for both parties to be heard, supported, and part of the healing process.
When implemented well, RJCs strengthen relationships, reduce repeat incidents, and contribute to a school culture rooted in fairness, connection, and responsibility.
Who Participates in a Restorative Justice Conference?
An RJC involves several key participants:
The person who caused harm: Typically a student, they are asked to reflect on what happened, take responsibility, and be part of creating a meaningful plan to repair the harm.
The person harmed: This might be another student, a staff member, or even a group. Their voice is central—they share the impact of the incident and what they need to feel safe and supported.
Supporters: These can include family members, trusted adults, friends, or school staff who support either party.
Facilitator(s): Trained staff who guide the process and ensure psychological safety for all involved. They prepare participants beforehand, ensure that participants consent to being there, explain the process, and help guide the conversation and outcome agreements.
Participation is always voluntary, and preparation is key. Conferences only occur when all parties are emotionally ready and committed to the process.
When and How Should Schools Use Restorative Justice Conferences?
RJCs are used in response to serious incidents—such as fights, harassment, theft, property damage, or repeated behavior that has disrupted relationships or safety. They are not intended for minor missteps or general behavioral redirection.
A Restorative Justice Conference should be used only when:
The person who caused harm is willing to take responsibility.
The person harmed is open to participating or having their voice represented.
Both parties can be prepared, supported, and feel emotionally safe engaging in the process.
RJCs are not necessarily used as a replacement for discipline. They don’t remove accountability—they enhance it. In some cases, restorative and traditional consequences (e.g., in-school suspension, restitution) are used together. In others, the restorative process is the consequence, with clear expectations for follow-through and support.
Importantly, a conference should never be forced or rushed. It is also not appropriate in situations involving ongoing safety risks, coercion, or active trauma responses.
What is the Difference Between a Restorative Circle and a Restorative Conference?
While both Restorative Circles and RJCs are core components of a restorative approach, they serve different purposes.
Restorative Circles are used proactively and responsively. Proactive circles help build community and trust, while responsive circles can address lower-level conflict or classroom harm. They are often inclusive of full classrooms or groups and involve voluntary sharing.
Restorative Justice Conferences are formal responses to serious events. They are convened when a specific incident of harm or conflict has occurred, with the primary objective being to address and repair that harm.They involve only those directly involved or affected, are highly structured, and result in a written plan of repair.
Think of circles as the “everyday practice” of a restorative school culture, while conferences are the intensive tool used when harm has occurred and deeper accountability is needed.
What Does a Restorative Justice Conference Look Like?
A powerful example of an RJC in action is captured in this real video: Watch here. You’ll see how a skilled facilitator guides participants through structured questions, reflection, and a mutual agreement—demonstrating the potential of this process to transform harm into healing.
Implementation Guidance: Training and Support Matters
Restorative Justice Conferencing requires more than good intentions—it requires formal training, skill, and a lot of careful preparation to ensure that all parties are willing and able to participate according to the guidelines. To use RJCs safely and effectively, schools must invest in high-quality training and systems for support.
At Collaborative School Culture (CSC), we offer:
Restorative Justice Conferencing training for school and district staff slated to facilitate conferences.
Scenario-based practice to help staff gain confidence
Re-entry planning tools to support reintegration after harm
Coaching and guidance on when RJCs are appropriate, and how to prepare and follow through with care
We help schools integrate RJCs into a broader Restorative Practices framework aligned with PBIS/MTSS, behavioral flowcharts, and the code of conduct —so the approach is proactive, supported, and sustainable.
Why Work With an Experienced RP Organization?
Done well, RJCs build trust and repair harm. Done poorly, they risk retraumatizing participants or creating confusion about accountability. That’s why it’s critical to work with a team that:
Has real experience facilitating RJCs in schools
Understands the pressures and needs of K–12 systems
Provides practical tools, coaching, and follow-through
Centers student and staff safety at every stage
Collaborative School Culture’s team includes former teachers, administrators, and social workers who have facilitated RJCs across elementary, middle, and high schools. We don’t just train—we guide, model, and support your staff every step of the way.
Restorative Justice Conferencing is one of the most impactful tools schools can use to address serious harm in a relational and truly accountable way. It provides space for all voices to be heard, supports healing and learning, and reaffirms the school’s commitment to community.
With the right training and systems in place, RJCs help shift school culture from reactive discipline to reflective repair—strengthening connection and restoring trust, one conversation at a time. Contact Collaborative School Culture to learn more!