Research - Schools

The Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities (Canadian) (SACSC) has developed many programs, resources and more to help adults create safe spaces for youth. All of their work is based on the following ideals:

• Nonviolent behaviours must be taught and reinforced consistently by the important adults in a child's life
• Children and youth learn more effectively when they feel safe and cared for
• Children and youth are the responsibility of all adults in a community

Much of their research and resultant action is based around the use of Restorative approaches in classrooms and schools.

Road Trauma-

Following the death of Sandra's beloved father in a vehicular accident in 2004 the driver of the second vehicle was charged with 'Causing Death by Dangerous Driving'. Sandra and her family together with the defendant and her family were involved in a CRJ coordinated restorative meeting. Increased levels of understanding were achieved, particularly for the defendant who was supported through input from the bereaved family with regard to the enormous impact of the loss on their lives.

Following the conclusion of the case in the justice arena, Sandra began production of an online interactive web site, dedicated to personal experience, dialogue, increasing awareness and improving road safety.

CRJ has been pleased to support Journey Beyond Road Trauma since its inception and encourages dialogue and constructive interaction as positive actions towards reducing the impact of road trauma on families and the community.

Lower Suspensions and Behavioural Incidents

When Schools incorporate Restorative Justice into their policy implementation for both students and staff, they will see results including a reduction in suspension/exclusion numbers, an improvement in learning outcomes and an enhanced atmosphere of wellbeing.

Campbelltown Primary School in South Australia commenced their restorative journey in 2005, and the changes within the school have been outstanding. Graeme Shugg (deputy principal) spoke with the Advertiser and you can view the article here -Campbelltown Primary School's justice for all sees grades rise and behaviour improve | Adelaide Now

How effective is the implementation of Restorative Justice in South Australian Schools-In this study initiated by CRJ, we look at methods of implementation and their effectiveness in a range of South Australian Schools. Schools from the Government, Independent and Catholic sectors were represented by the eleven studied schools. Five schools fell into the category of Government co-educational primary school, the most represented category. One Government co-educational high school and one Independent co-educational high school were represented along with three R-12 schools, one being Government co-educational, one Independent co-educational (their junior school was the focus of this research) and the other a single sex Independent school. Also represented was one Independent co-educational primary school.