Restorative justice (RJ) principles serve as a culturally responsive, therapeutic alternative to zero-tolerance behavior management systems. RJ principles such as RJ circles also work to facilitate an open dialogue between both the injurer and injured parties by creating a holding environment where solutions to conflicts and problems can be created in a collaborative way. However, implementing RJ practices requires a comprehensive paradigm shift in attitudes towards disciplinary action within a system and its stakeholders.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the core tenants and intentions of zero-tolerance behavior management systems and its shortcomings.
- Distinguish between zero-tolerance and contextual perspectives (utilizing CFT principles).
- Understand how Restorative Justice principles consider and incorporate context.
Roxana Kazemi’s clinical work as a Marriage and Family Therapist resident aims to apply Contextual Family Therapy (CFT) principles to support diverse communities in addressing their members’ social and emotional needs as well as serving as a preliminary step toward helping implement restorative practices.
