Equality and social justice

Belinda Hopkins’ work in social justice drew her to Quakers. She outlines how the enlightened approach of restorative justice is helping many schools handle conflict

by Belinda Hopkins 1st October 2009

Since 2000 when the first schools began to train staff in restorative approaches, inspired by the philosophy of restorative justice, more and more schools have taken an interest in this innovative way of managing relationships and behaviour.  There are many challenges in implementing a whole-school approach since the restorative way challenges deeply-held notions about power and control and the urge to make someone suffer when they have ‘misbehaved’.