Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:54
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.
https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.
I find it bizarre you had to cite to Criminal Justice Canada research on foreign prison inmates for support for Michelle Reid’s plans for our children in FCPS.
It works in schools too.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/07/15/restorative-justice-montgomery-county-schools/
"A recent report by Sean Darling-Hammond, assistant professor of health and education at UCLA, indicates that restorative practices improve middle school students’ academic achievement, while reducing suspension rates and disparities, misbehavior, substance abuse and student mental health challenges."
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED596786.pdf
[i]"The earlier discussion about RJ theory suggests that a well-implemented program could
reduce punitive disciplinary actions and problem behavior over time (Tyler, 2006). All the
empirical studies we reviewed report a decrease in exclusionary discipline and harmful
behavior (e.g., violence) after implementing some type of RJ program. "
"But, across the studies, school attendance tended to improve after
RJ implementation. Baker (2009), for example, reports that students who participated in
an RJ program12 experienced a 50-percent reduction in absenteeism during the first year of
implementation and a decrease in tardiness of about 64 percent. "
"70 percent of staff reported
that RJ improved overall school climate during the first year of implementation."
So stopping suspensions reduced suspensions and increased attendance? And kids and the climate seemed happier because they were not suspended?
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:41
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.
https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.
I find it bizarre you had to cite to Criminal Justice Canada research on foreign prison inmates for support for Michelle Reid’s plans for our children in FCPS.
It works in schools too.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/07/15/restorative-justice-montgomery-county-schools/
"A recent report by Sean Darling-Hammond, assistant professor of health and education at UCLA, indicates that restorative practices improve middle school students’ academic achievement, while reducing suspension rates and disparities, misbehavior, substance abuse and student mental health challenges."
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED596786.pdf
[i]"The earlier discussion about RJ theory suggests that a well-implemented program could
reduce punitive disciplinary actions and problem behavior over time (Tyler, 2006). All the
empirical studies we reviewed report a decrease in exclusionary discipline and harmful
behavior (e.g., violence) after implementing some type of RJ program. "
"But, across the studies, school attendance tended to improve after
RJ implementation. Baker (2009), for example, reports that students who participated in
an RJ program12 experienced a 50-percent reduction in absenteeism during the first year of
implementation and a decrease in tardiness of about 64 percent. "
"70 percent of staff reported
that RJ improved overall school climate during the first year of implementation."
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:38
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What are some actual examples of "restorative justice"?
Is it just race based discipline?
No, it is not race based, but of course FCPS brings race into everything even when it is not there.
An example of restorative justice would be if your son has been bullied all quarter by a kid, with the admin well aware of the bullying, so instead of the bully getting escalating punishments culminating ina suspension or explusion, the counselor would gather the bully with the vistim, and have them talk about how the bullying makes the victim feel, followed by the victim publicly forgiving and affirming the bully.
It is a bully/perpetrator centered model, which outs the responsibility on the victim to make things right and gives all the power to the person doing wrong.
You forget the part where the bully escalates even further after the meeting because they've been taught there are no consequences. Like PP said, the victim has to tell the bully how their action effect them. This gives the bully more ammunition for future bullying
My concern would how this process plays out when the victim is sexually assaulted, and then has to face her assailant all over again throughout this restorative justice program.
It seems like it would be re-living the assault or rape all over again, just to satisfy some unproven social-justice experiment, which focuses only on the well-being of the bully.
"Participating in a Restorative Justice process is voluntary for all parties."
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:37
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Dr. Reid says she is implementing “restorative justice.”
This is a portion of Michelle Reid’s weekly update sent to FCPS parents:
"The second initiative is our Restorative Justice Program’s new Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation. This pathway program will enable trained and endorsed members of Team FCPS to operate as school-based restorative justice facilitators. By this time next year, our goal is to have two of these facilitators in each of our schools. I’m thrilled about this program and how it will support us to provide excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students, especially those impacted by discipline disparities. As I shared with the principals on Thursday, I know there likely are a lot of questions about these two initiatives! More information on our Instructional Rounds and the Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation will be made available in the coming weeks; stay tuned!"
Do you think this is a good idea? Will this new approach increase or decrease crime in your child’s school?
"This approach" is not explained in the OP. Does this mean no discipline ever?
Or does it mean discipline that doesn't stay on the record forever so as not to disadvantage kids' futures?
Does it mean progressive discipline? Discipline coupled with counseling?
I cannot say if I think it's a "good idea" or not if you haven't explained what it is beyond inflammatory soundbites. And, yeah, I could spend the time parsing it out online but since OP brought it up . . .
Sounds like most PPs are unfamiliar with it based on the many false assumptions.
Lots of info here:
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/RJInformationPacket.pdf
To answer some of your questions:
"Restorative Justice Practice is a philosophy based on a set of principles for responding to harm and
wrongdoing that is victim-centered and focuses on offender accountability to those who were
harmed and to the laws or rules that were broken. It also includes a principal-based approach to
establish and strengthen relationships."
"Criteria for Referral
This information is intended to guide administrators in making decisions about appropriate referrals
to a Restorative Justice (RJ) process. Once a referral is made, it is the responsibility of the Restorative
Justice team to make the final assessment of case suitability.
Parent permission is required to participate in a Restorative Justice process.
Administrators should secure parent permission prior to making the Restorative Justice
referral.
Administrators may seek support from their assigned RJ Practitioner when securing parent
permission and/or discussing the Restorative Justice process.
Participating in a Restorative Justice process is voluntary for all parties.
The offending student(s) must admit involvement in the incident.
There are differing degrees of responsibility in an incident of wrongdoing; however, the
student(s) must admit to being involved in the incident.
There should be clear evidence to support that wrongdoing has occurred.
The process is not meant to be used as an investigative method for determining guilt.
It the offending student(s) and those harmed by the wrongdoing agree that there has been a
violation and harm has been done, but they can’t determine or won’t acknowledge who is
responsible for what, a conference can help sort out specific acts and responsibility for those
actions – but the offending student(s) referred for the process must admit to being involved
in the wrongdoing.
Every student should have access to restorative justice and be considered for referral.
Every FCPS student must have access to a restorative justice process. Offending students
must admit to being involved to access the restorative justice process.
Students who receive services from a school social worker, school psychologist, or medical
professional always have the option to include that person or persons with them in the RJ
process as supporters.
Prior offenses do not preclude a student from being referred to a Restorative Justice process.
Often student(s) do not understand the impact of their actions. Students can benefit from a
RJ process, even if a prior history of wrongdoing is evident.
All incidents of wrongdoing and violation of the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities
document are eligible to be referred to a Restorative Justice process.
In a Restorative Justice process, everyone adversely affected by the wrongdoing is a harmed
person. This includes participating students and their families.
Referrals can be made at all stages of the disciplinary process and for almost every incident or
wrongdoing, regardless of the seriousness of the offense.
Referral can be made as a diversion from the traditional disciplinary process for appropriate
situations.
Restorative Justice can be utilized in combination with other discipline actions such as: oneday suspension and referral to RJ, as opposed to 3–10-day suspension. This option works
well for fighting and verbal altercations when both students admit involvement.
A Restorative Justice process can be initiated for re-entry into the classroom or school after a
disciplinary action has been completed.
A referral to a Restorative Justice process should not be used as an additional punishment or
sanction for the offending student(s).
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:36
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:We have a kid at our school who has been caught with a weapon, using drugs (fentanyl), using gang signs, etc, with a suspension list longer than he is tall. But he's still in school thanks to this policy. When someone gets killed on school grounds the blood will be on the hands of Reid and the school board.
If this is how the program works in practice, it sounds like it will be a disaster when Dr. Reid applies it to the entire county.
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:34
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What are some actual examples of "restorative justice"?
Is it just race based discipline?
No, it is not race based, but of course FCPS brings race into everything even when it is not there.
An example of restorative justice would be if your son has been bullied all quarter by a kid, with the admin well aware of the bullying, so instead of the bully getting escalating punishments culminating ina suspension or explusion, the counselor would gather the bully with the vistim, and have them talk about how the bullying makes the victim feel, followed by the victim publicly forgiving and affirming the bully.
It is a bully/perpetrator centered model, which outs the responsibility on the victim to make things right and gives all the power to the person doing wrong.
You forget the part where the bully escalates even further after the meeting because they've been taught there are no consequences. Like PP said, the victim has to tell the bully how their action effect them. This gives the bully more ammunition for future bullying
My concern would how this process plays out when the victim is sexually assaulted, and then has to face her assailant all over again throughout this restorative justice program.
It seems like it would be re-living the assault or rape all over again, just to satisfy some unproven social-justice experiment, which focuses only on the well-being of the bully.
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:30
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What are some actual examples of "restorative justice"?
Is it just race based discipline?
No, it is not race based, but of course FCPS brings race into everything even when it is not there.
An example of restorative justice would be if your son has been bullied all quarter by a kid, with the admin well aware of the bullying, so instead of the bully getting escalating punishments culminating ina suspension or explusion, the counselor would gather the bully with the vistim, and have them talk about how the bullying makes the victim feel, followed by the victim publicly forgiving and affirming the bully.
It is a bully/perpetrator centered model, which outs the responsibility on the victim to make things right and gives all the power to the person doing wrong.
This is what happened to my DC two years ago. We heard reports and updates about DC and the other student from the counselor and principal - but nothing changed. It was terrible for DC.
So sorry this happened to your child.
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:28
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:https://www.osibaltimore.org/2020/09/new-report-indicates-major-impact-of-restorative-practices-in-baltimore-city-schools/
School suspensions dropped by 44% in one year
72% of school staff reported improved school climate
69% of school staff reported improved student respect for one another
64% of school staff reported improved student respect for staff
You could maybe compare Baltimore city schools to DC public schools. But it is laughable to apply Baltimore’s results to FCPS’ diverse school system and argue the program will work the same way.
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:20
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.
https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.
I find it bizarre you had to cite to Criminal Justice Canada research on foreign prison inmates for support for Michelle Reid’s plans for our children in FCPS.
In relevant examples here in Fairfax county, restorative justice has been a failure.
Citation?
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:08
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.
https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.
I find it bizarre you had to cite to Criminal Justice Canada research on foreign prison inmates for support for Michelle Reid’s plans for our children in FCPS.
In relevant examples here in Fairfax county, restorative justice has been a failure.
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:07
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.
https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.
I find it bizarre you had to cite to Criminal Justice Canada research on foreign prison inmates for support for Michelle Reid’s plans for our children in FCPS.
Anonymous
10/26/2023 16:07
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.
https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.
You're citing juvenile court cases. Taking restorative justice from that concept to schools is like using a blowtorch for weeding. Wrong tool, wrong setting.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/07/15/restorative-justice-montgomery-county-schools/
"A recent report by Sean Darling-Hammond, assistant professor of health and education at UCLA, indicates that restorative practices improve middle school students’ academic achievement, while reducing suspension rates and disparities, misbehavior, substance abuse and student mental health challenges."
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED596786.pdf
"The earlier discussion about RJ theory suggests that a well-implemented program could
reduce punitive disciplinary actions and problem behavior over time (Tyler, 2006). All the
empirical studies we reviewed report a decrease in exclusionary discipline and harmful
behavior (e.g., violence) after implementing some type of RJ program. "
"But, across the studies, school attendance tended to improve after
RJ implementation. Baker (2009), for example, reports that students who participated in
an RJ program12 experienced a 50-percent reduction in absenteeism during the first year of
implementation and a decrease in tardiness of about 64 percent. "
"70 percent of staff reported
that RJ improved overall school climate during the first year of implementation."
It works in schools too.
No it doesn't.
Where is the data to support your opinion?
The studies show that it works.
Several people earlier in this thread reported their dismal and failed experiences here in FCPS when it was attempted.
In FCPS, it does not work apparently.
Anecdotal…
Look at the studies. It works.
No, Dr Reid. It doesn't.
What were effects to the victims under restorative justice program vs traditional discpline.
Do they experience more frequent or less frequent problem. That is more interest to me than effect to the perpentrator.
Great question. I’ll look for data on that.
RJ does also work on prevention. So hopefully fewer kids are bullied in the first place. It’s also victim-centered so hopefully victims come out of it with their needs addressed.
Looks like it’s a voluntary process that requires parent approval and can be used in conjunction with (or after) appropriate disciplinary actions (suspension):
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/RJInformationPacket.pdf
I like that it makes bullies directly accountable to their victims.
Is it optional for the FCPS employee - say, a teacher - when the teacher is assaulted by a student?
It’s a voluntary process.
https://www.nyssba.org/news/2018/07/20/on-board-online-july-23-2018/when-a-student-assaults-a-teacher-can-restorative-justice-work/
Anonymous
10/26/2023 15:55
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Dr. Reid says she is implementing “restorative justice.”
This is a portion of Michelle Reid’s weekly update sent to FCPS parents:
"The second initiative is our Restorative Justice Program’s new Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation. This pathway program will enable trained and endorsed members of Team FCPS to operate as school-based restorative justice facilitators. By this time next year, our goal is to have two of these facilitators in each of our schools. I’m thrilled about this program and how it will support us to provide excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students, especially those impacted by discipline disparities. [i] As I shared with the principals on Thursday, I know there likely are a lot of questions about these two initiatives! More information on our Instructional Rounds and the Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation will be made available in the coming weeks; stay tuned!"
Do you think this is a good idea? Will this new approach increase or decrease crime in your child’s school?
"This approach" is not explained in the OP. Does this mean no discipline ever?
Or does it mean discipline that doesn't stay on the record forever so as not to disadvantage kids' futures?
Does it mean progressive discipline? Discipline coupled with counseling?
I cannot say if I think it's a "good idea" or not if you haven't explained what it is beyond inflammatory soundbites. And, yeah, I could spend the time parsing it out online but since OP brought it up . . .
Anonymous
10/26/2023 15:53
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:https://www.osibaltimore.org/2020/09/new-report-indicates-major-impact-of-restorative-practices-in-baltimore-city-schools/
School suspensions dropped by 44% in one year
72% of school staff reported improved school climate
69% of school staff reported improved student respect for one another
64% of school staff reported improved student respect for staff
Isn't Baltimore City also the school district where zero students are proficient at math?
Hmm.
Anonymous
10/26/2023 15:52
Subject: Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.
https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.
You're citing juvenile court cases. Taking restorative justice from that concept to schools is like using a blowtorch for weeding. Wrong tool, wrong setting.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/07/15/restorative-justice-montgomery-county-schools/
"A recent report by Sean Darling-Hammond, assistant professor of health and education at UCLA, indicates that restorative practices improve middle school students’ academic achievement, while reducing suspension rates and disparities, misbehavior, substance abuse and student mental health challenges."
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED596786.pdf
"The earlier discussion about RJ theory suggests that a well-implemented program could
reduce punitive disciplinary actions and problem behavior over time (Tyler, 2006). All the
empirical studies we reviewed report a decrease in exclusionary discipline and harmful
behavior (e.g., violence) after implementing some type of RJ program. "
"But, across the studies, school attendance tended to improve after
RJ implementation. Baker (2009), for example, reports that students who participated in
an RJ program12 experienced a 50-percent reduction in absenteeism during the first year of
implementation and a decrease in tardiness of about 64 percent. "
"70 percent of staff reported
that RJ improved overall school climate during the first year of implementation."
It works in schools too.
No it doesn't.
Where is the data to support your opinion?
The studies show that it works.
Several people earlier in this thread reported their dismal and failed experiences here in FCPS when it was attempted.
In FCPS, it does not work apparently.
Anecdotal…
Look at the studies. It works.
No, Dr Reid. It doesn't.
What were effects to the victims under restorative justice program vs traditional discpline.
Do they experience more frequent or less frequent problem. That is more interest to me than effect to the perpentrator.
Great question. I’ll look for data on that.
RJ does also work on prevention. So hopefully fewer kids are bullied in the first place. It’s also victim-centered so hopefully victims come out of it with their needs addressed.
Looks like it’s a voluntary process that requires parent approval and can be used in conjunction with (or after) appropriate disciplinary actions (suspension):
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/RJInformationPacket.pdf
I like that it makes bullies directly accountable to their victims.
Is it optional for the FCPS employee - say, a teacher - when the teacher is assaulted by a student?