There are three tiers of restorative practices. Please see the triangle depicted. Notice that the size of each tier decreases as you move up the triangle. This correlates to the amount of time focused on each tier. Spending the most time in building and strengthening relationships allows for a more proactive approach, as we are less likely to harm those that we have strong and healthy relationships with.
Restorative Justice Tiers (PDF)
Tier 1: Build and Strengthen Relationships
In this tier, community members work towards building and strengthening relationships. Typically, this happens in a restorative justice circle. Time is spent getting to know each other on a deeper level.
Tier 2: Respond to Harm and Conflict
When harm(s) or conflict arise, there are restorative processes that can be explored to address them in a non-punitive way. This is supported by the responsible party taking accountability and responsibility and the harmed party healing and having their needs met. Typically, the process utilized is a restorative justice conference. The result of the process is a restorative agreement that repairs the harm in a way that meets the harmed party’s needs.
FAQs for Tier 2
- What are the benefits of a restorative justice conference?
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Rather than focusing on policies that may have been broken, restorative justice conferences focus on the harmed individual(s) and the most appropriate ways to meet their needs in repairing the harm. Impacted parties are able to vocalize their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe space. Responsible parties, or individuals that have caused harm, have an opportunity to repair any harm that was caused, including working towards mending damaged relationships.
- Am I allowed to have a support person with me during a restorative justice circle or conference process?
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Yes! We welcome you to have a support person present, however, they cannot speak for you in our processes.
- What if the responsible party does not want to participate in a restorative justice conference?
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Restorative justice processes are always optional. All parties need to voluntarily agree to participate in order to begin an RJ process.
- Will the RJ facilitator(s) side with me or the other party?
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Facilitators are multipartial, which means that they are equitably partial to all parties. Their role in the space is to provide space for all participants to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, as well as the path forward in repairing the harm.
- What if the other party tries talking over me during an RJ process?
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A talking piece is utilized in this process. This is an object that is passed around the circle, inviting each participant to speak one at a time. A talking piece is an invitation for those not holding it to deeply and actively listen to the individual speaking.
- What kinds of reparations are appropriate to ask for in a restorative justice conference?
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Anything offered, within reason, is considered. The goal is for the offered reparations to meet the needs of the harmed individual(s). Creativity is welcome!
Tier 3: Support Reentry
When individuals have left a community, and are looking to return, it is important the community helps to reintegrate them back. Typically, the process utilized is a circle of support and accountability. The goal of the process is to hold the individual accountable for their past, present and future actions, while providing them with support.
