Restorative Justice & Conflict Resolution are an integral part of all DSY programs, these two approaches focus on the hows and whys of a student not having success, and redresses the emotional and physical impact on all involved. Facilitated conversations are offered to all parties and implemented as a regular part of programs.

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Goal of the session: For all parties to have an opportunity to describe how the conflict occurred, and how it impacted them; for the student to take responsibility for their roll in the conflict for the student to explore how he/she might make amends and, For the student to create and begin to use a new and better decision making process.

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Restorative Justice Best Practices: From the start these methodologies have been the basis of the process used to assist students in self-evaluation, righting the repercussions of their actions, as well as making restitution. We help students plan how to make recompense for bad choices in ways that not only support their making lasting changes, but also allows them to feel that real justice is working for them and in their lives.

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Conflict Resolution Best Practices:: Early on we integrated these principles to teach students how to behave in situations of conflict with the possibility of escalation into violence; how to handle themself and how to speak to others in ways that de-escalate situations and offer healthy alternatives; and how to obtain help from more knowledgeable people when situations are beyond their abilities before problematic choices are made.

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Clear Communications Best Practices: We have integrated communications principles so that young people can go back into their school life, family life and community smarter and more able to speak for themselves and be aware of the power they have to change their life and the world.