Projects

Timeframe - 2002 and 2004-5

Source: National Drug Education Strategy administered through DE&T and CEO

The Youth Research Centre was involved in a 9 month evaluation of a Pilot in the use of restorative practices in Victoria in government, Catholic and independent schools during 2002. There has been a second evaluation conducted in 2004/5.

Restorative practices offers a range of stategies and activities that can be used in schools from a prevention to intervention focus. Prevention strategies include bringing about cultural change at a whole school level and include activities that can be used in the classroom, at staff meetings and with parents.

At the level of intervention, Restorative Practice offers a means of developing collective responsibility for repairing harm associated with incidents and problematic behaviour. The simplest description of restorative practices is based on a hypothesis that says; people are happier, more productive and more likely to make positive changes in their behaviour when those in positions of authority do things with them, rather than to or for them.

In a school environment this approach offers concern for the welfare of victims and offenders, with a focus on the use of both formal and informal, non-punitive approaches and wide community participation. Using such an approach seems to increase the likelihood that students remain connected to networks of support and take greater accountability for their actions. Restorative practices are not new but the framing of restorative approach around good welfare practice can be helpful in equipping schools to better manage incidents.

The Pilot provided sufficient evidence to suggest that restorative practices / community conferencing can be a highly effective way to manage incidents in Victorian schools.

A Final report has been prepared on the experience of the staff, students and parents from 23 government and Catholic schools and from16 regional support staff involved. For further details regarding restorative practices generally log on to www.restorativepractices.org or for information on the Pilot contact yrc-info@unimelb.edu.au

Follow-up Evaluation 2004-5

A follow up evaluation of the the program was conducted in 2004-5 to look at implementation and sustainability in selected government and catholic schools in Victoria. The focus of this evaluation was developing an understanding of how restorative practices can be implemented in schools using a whole school approach. the range of activities that come under the umbrella of restorative practices can be used to bring about changes to school culture and the management of student well being.

The report of the second evaluation is being finalised and will be avaliable towards the end of 2005.

Contact: Helen Stokes

Email: h.stokes@unimelb.edu.au