Theory of trouble

by Dan Van Ness

The very interesting website Restorative Resources has this great quote from the organization's director:

"If, by the time a student has graduated high school, they have not gotten into significant trouble at least three times and found a positive way to resolve it each time, I suggest that their education is incomplete."

--Amos Clifford

As the father of a recent high school graduate, I'm not sure that I would have wished for my son to get into significant trouble three out of the four years he was there, but I get Clifford's point.

Jul 24, 2009 Limitations, Correspondent:Dan Van Ness, Support, Practice, Victim

• Read More

Personality and restorative justice

Matt K. writes on Life Skoolz:

There is a balance that is needed between restorative justice and the traditional court system. I would say that ever professional in the traditional setting needs to have a restorative mindset. They could all model those we have working in Gunnison County. Personality and personal connections are life.

Jul 21, 2009 Limitations, Support, Practice

• Read More

Offering Hope, Encouraging Change

By Lynette Parker

"A place where human potential is squashed." As I read this quote from someone working in prison ministry in Estonia, I couldn't help but contrast it with a statement made by an offender after a restorative conference, "I was happy because I think they really believe I can change."

I thought this was the highest form of compliment for the process and those who participated. When I shared the comment with a colleague, I said, "Sometimes that is all a person needs, the knowledge that someone else thinks he can do the right thing."

Jul 15, 2009 Limitations, Support, Practice, Correspondent:Lynette Parker

• Read More