Restorative justice practices in schools refer to a range of community-based discipline and conflict-resolution strategies, which provide accountability and redress without removing students from the community. Traditional suspension and expulsion measures, while sometimes appropriate, remove students from the learning environment and too often target students of color.  Restorative justice practices encourage facilitated dialogue and repairing harm, instead of relying solely on punishment. Studies have shown that students who are engaged and accountable in their school communities suffer less absenteeism and achieve higher academic success. The goal is to keep kids in school and give them the tools to mediate conflict.

This restorative justice practices guide is filled with strategies for implementation to improve support school and health in San Mateo County.