Resources & partners
Learn more about restorative practices
Books, films and organizations we recommend, and how FACE has helped bring circles into local schools.
FACE for Schools
Schools prefer to see incidents settled face to face. A circle can be an alternative to a suspension, or shorten one, and students come back with better attitudes and an honest belief it won’t happen again.
Since 2002 we’ve trained students and teachers from high schools across the region, in Midland, Elmvale, Alliston, Innisdale and Barrie, to run circles for offences and conflicts in their own schools.
FACE also offers school boards in-school training for administrators, teachers, staff, students and parents, using circle principles for small and large incidents, with mentoring for in-school restorative justice coordinators over a year and a half to build a lasting restorative culture.
Asking for a circle at school
Students and parents can ask the vice principal for a circle, directly, with a parent, or with help from the FACE Program.
Organizations
Training & community
- Training & researchInternational Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP)A leading provider of restorative practices training, consulting and materials worldwide. The IIRP and its related organizations have trained thousands of people since beginning as the Real Justice program in 1995. (opens in a new tab)
- Community building circlesFoundation for Community Encouragement (FCE)FCE offers Community Building weekend workshops and facilitator training, helping people communicate with authenticity, deal with difficult issues and bridge differences with integrity. FACE president Martin Prost is a trained FCE facilitator. (opens in a new tab)
Reading
Books & reports
- Book · 64 pagesThe Little Book of Restorative JusticeHoward ZehrA concise overview of restorative justice that proposes workable principles and practices, from one of the field’s pioneers. (opens in a new tab)
- Book · 120 pagesThe Restorative Practices HandbookBob Costello, Joshua Wachtel & Ted WachtelA practical guide for teachers, disciplinarians and administrators on building positive school communities while reducing referrals, suspensions and expulsions. (opens in a new tab)
- Book · 216 pagesSafer Saner Schools: Restorative Practices in EducationEdited by Laura Mirsky & Ted WachtelArticles on how restorative practices transform schools into positive communities, with accounts from Canada, the US, the UK, Europe, Australia and Asia. (opens in a new tab)
- Report · 36 pagesImproving School ClimateFindings from schools in the US, England and Canada using restorative practices, with data on reductions in violence, discipline problems and suspensions. (opens in a new tab)
Watch
Documentaries
Available through the International Institute for Restorative Practices.
- Documentary · 35 minBurning BridgesThe arson of a historic covered bridge in Pennsylvania and the restorative conference that brought six young men, their families and the community through grief and anger to healing. (opens in a new tab)
- Documentary · 60 minFacing the DemonsThe family and friends of Michael Marslew meet two of the offenders responsible for his death. Winner of a 2000 Logie Award and the UN Association Media Peace Award. (opens in a new tab)
- Documentary · 25 minBeyond Zero ToleranceCircles, conferences and one-on-one meetings in schools in the US, the Netherlands and England, with students, teachers and administrators speaking candidly. (opens in a new tab)
- Documentary · 15 minBuilding Our CommunityHow Collingwood Primary School in Hull, England went from a school in crisis to a strong, positive culture through restorative practices. (opens in a new tab)
Not sure where to start?
Call or write to us. We’ll listen, explain how a circle could help, and help you invite the other people involved.