FOMT-Sponsored
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Contact: Chaka Forman
The Restorative Justice program at Mark Twain aligns with Tier 2 of the LAUSD strategic objectives: Joy and Wellness in schools and communities. The social-emotional program is designed to encompass intentional, community building practices and primarily utilizes community building circles to this end. The practice is rooted in indigenous cultures around the world and stem from a recognition of our oneness and deeply interconnected nature.
The program also involves an alternative method for harm repair focusing on meeting the needs of all involved parties. A conflict resolution technique, harm repair circles employ strategies recognizing that all members of conflict have unmet needs and deserve to be heard.
Research and data support the reality that when we intentionally build community at school sites, academic performance elevates, behavioral issues are minimized, and attendance markers improve.
Happy children create a better school environment!