restorative justice practices

Circles of Peace is one of the first Domestic Violence treatment programs that uses a restorative justice circle approach to reduce violent behaviors in families. This same approach is utilized in all of the treatment and prevention programs that we offer.  The Circle Process is designed to create a safe space for all participants to meet their program goals while also adhering to ADHS behavioral health licensing regulations.

 Peacemaking circles bring together individuals who want to engage in conflict resolution, healing, support, decision making or other activities when honest communication, relationship development, and community building are desired outcomes. Circles can be appropriate in business, family, judicial, social service and other settings. They offer an alternative to other meeting processes that often rely on hierarchy, win-lose positioning, and victim/rescuer approaches to relationships and problem solving. 

Talking circles in schools provide a safe, supportive space where all school community members can talk about sensitive topics, work through differences, and build consensus. 

We also offer 2-session diversion programs for students and their parents to dialogue after a school incident or suspension in an effort to repair harm and strengthen the family and school.

All support groups such as the Entre Amigas Women's Support Group, and the Pre-Trial Services Support Group, are conducted utilizing the circle model.  Participants in these support groups learn to listen and respect the views of others. The intention is to open hearts to understand and connect with one another while finding support in their shared knowledge and experiences. 

We offer trainings on restorative justice applications in the court system, trauma-informed care & rj, as well as other topics related to community building and peacemaking strategies.

Our intention is to teach and model how restorative justice and peacemaking circles can be applied in different systems within a community to create lasting change.

 We also train volunteers to become Community Members and work directly with families receiving services in our organization. Beginning with a three- month commitment, Community Members meet weekly for an hour and a half with the applicant, his/her support people, the victim/participant (if he or she chooses to participate) and the Circle Keeper. Community member trainings and refreshers are conducted quarterly.