International Institute for Restorative Practices

The International Institute for Restorative Practices is dedicated to the advanced education of professionals at the graduate level and to the conduct of research that can develop the growing field of restorative practices, with the goal of positively influencing human behavior and strengthening civil society throughout the world.

Our world is changing at a breathtaking pace, driven by scientific and technological advances whose consequences challenge our ability to cope with them. Social patterns that have long characterized human life are changing dramatically around the globe, diminishing social connectedness in families, schools, workplaces and communities. The International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) will draw upon a wide range of fields to develop theory and practice and conduct research designed to address this global challenge.

The emerging field of restorative practices is the study of restoring and developing social capital, social discipline, emotional wellbeing and civic participation through participatory learning and decision-making. The further development of restorative practices as a field of study requires eclectic and interdisciplinary graduate-level study and research that includes practice, reflection, scientific inquiry and international academic collaboration.

Further, restorative practices can enhance our relationships and our emotional wellbeing. The IIRP Graduate School will model that potential by actualizing the principles of restorative practices in its daily operations, its dealings with students, staff, faculty, administration and trustees, and its relationships with other people and organizations.

The IIRP is a leading provider of restorative practices professional development and consulting throughout the world and manages several projects that use restorative solutions to solve complex social problems.

• SaferSanerSchools: Working with schools on a building-wide basis to improve school culture, decrease disruptive behavior and conflict and help students take responsibility for their behavior and academic performance.
• Real Justice: Working with police, probation and corrections to improve services for the three “customers” of the justice system: victims, offenders and the community.
• Building Campus Community: Cost-effective way to provide residential staff skills to engage residents, establish authority and uphold expectations
• Family Power: Promoting family group decision making (FGDM)/family group conferencing (FGC), a process that involves children, family members, extended family and family friends in making a plan for someone in their family.
• School-Based Restorative Zones: The restorative zone concept provides a framework for schools to reach beyond their walls to partner with parents, police, faith communities, social services, juvenile probation and other agencies to foster a restorative environment throughout the neighborhood.