Peacemaking circles: creating a safe space for accountability and reconciliation, Part I.

Source: (2001) Grinnell, IA: Iowa Peace Institute.

Bruce Kittle, Director of Restorative Justice Programs at the Iowa Peace Institute, writes about peacemaking circles as a dynamic social space and process to bring together youth offenders and their families, people affected by the offending behavior, and those concerned with the development of interventions involving the youth or family. After pointing to some of the negative emotions and actions that characterize youth offending, he connects circles with indigenous cultures and with modern restorative justice theory and practice. He also describes basic elements of circle principles and process.