Restorative Justice 101: Principles & Practices

Restorative Justice 101: Principles and Practice

Thursday, April 9 | 10am-12pm (EST)
Virtual Training (2 CE)

Facilitator:

Tiffany D. Johnson, MSW, LSW
Mending Communities, Founder

Program Overview:

An introductory course designed to ground participants in the foundational concepts, values, and applications of restorative justice. This training session explores restorative justice as both a philosophy and a practical approach to building healthier relationships, strengthening communities, and addressing harm in meaningful and constructive ways.

Participants will learn how restorative practices shift the focus from punishment to accountability, healing, and repair. The course examines the historical roots of restorative justice, the core principles that guide restorative work, and the essential elements that make restorative processes effective. Through reflection, discussion, and experiential learning, participants gain an understanding of how restorative practices promote empathy, communication, and community well-being.

This course also introduces key restorative tools such as circles, supported dialogue, and collaborative problem solving. Real world examples from schools, community settings, and the justice system help illustrate how restorative approaches create safer and more connected environments. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with foundational knowledge that supports further learning, skill development, and the confident use of restorative practices in a variety of settings.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Define Restorative Justice and identify its core values.
• Describe the historical and cultural foundations of Restoratie Justice.
• Differentiate restorative justice from punitive approaches.
• Identify practical applications of Restorative Justice in community, school, and reentry settings.
• Reflect on the importance of healing, accountability, and relationship repair.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for human-service professionals seeking an equity-centered, restorative approach to addressing harm and conflict. It is particularly relevant for those working in schools, child and family services, criminal justice and reentry programs, behavioral and mental health settings, and community-based organizations.