Restorative city push picks up pace
Sep 19, 2012
from the article by Anne-Marie Emerson in the Wanganui Chronicle:
"The restorative city idea grew out of the very successful Whanganui Restorative Justice service operated by the same trustees for the last 12 years. That service allows restoration to occur by bringing offender, victim and their families together to address what has happened in a way that meets everyone's needs, especially the victim."
Mr Alexander said when the trust first began researching restorative cities, it led them to Hull, a city with serious deprivation, a high crime rate and major social problems. Led by an inspirational principal, Estelle MacDonald, who instituted restorative practices in her own school, Hull became a restorative city and its social problems and crime rates decreased, Mr Alexander said.
During his visit to Hull Mr Alexander visited several restorative schools and was impressed. "When you walked in you could feel the peace, the warmth, the pride and the achievement. Nine-year-olds could tell you about restorative practices."
Ms MacDonald will be visiting Wanganui to share her restorative experiences and will be the keynote speaker at next month's conference.
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