Reflections on the restorative conference facilitator’s script
Oct 19, 2009
From Kate Shapero's article published in the the Restorative Practices E-Forum for 12 October 2009 from the International Institute of Restorative Practices.
In mathematics and science, the term elegant is used to describe a formula or explanation that is both simple and comprehensive. Elegant ideas use evidence to braid together many of the messy strings dangling from a problem. They reveal core mechanisms and are easily related between individuals. Though it inhabits a world seemingly separate from the rigid logic of science and math, restorative conferencing is extremely elegant. The organization of conferencing approaches emotionally chaotic situations and provides structured opportunities to create solutions.
The straightforward information presented in IIRP course YC/ED 502 gave me the tools I needed to deconstruct the magic in conferencing and understand the mechanics of the process. I was very impressed by the thoughtful work that goes into preparing for conferences, as well as the well-ordered script. Conferencing feels very real. It seems to honor cultural differences and family norms. It acknowledges and disapproves of harmful behavior but avoids arbitrary punishments.
After reading through the Conferencing Handbook, watching demonstrations and participating in role plays, I began to appreciate how an organized meeting can lead to such powerful interactions. Conversely, I realized why conversations that do not honor the needs and emotional reactions of participants with clarity may lead to less satisfactory outcomes.
Following the prompts and guidelines provided in the script during role plays freed me from imposing my values and pushing suggestions on the participants. I was able to relax into a clearly defined role without being concerned about having to please everyone or come up with a great solution. I was energized by the idea that I could help orchestrate an opportunity for people to develop their own solutions to their own problems.
I delighted in the opportunity to practice facilitating during role plays, but I also enjoyed the empowerment that came through finding solutions as a mock conference participant. After suggesting a solution that changed the victim’s attitude during a role play, I experienced pride in my ability to care for the needs of the victim and offender. This was all during a “make believe” interaction! (This led me to wonder if any interactions, acting or not, are without emotional engagement.) I can only imagine the excitement and gratification a real conference participant might feel when they propose an idea that turns the tide of the group toward more positive affects.
Even though individual contributions can help build positive feelings in the group, it is not usually one participant who steers everyone toward a more positive relationship. It seems that the well-ordered chain of interactions guided by the script allows people to express their negative feelings and transition to more positive affects, as described in Real Justice (Wachtel, 1997, p. 88).
I’ve thought a lot about exactly what conferencing does and have carefully examined the systematic and scripted approach presented in the Conferencing Handbook to learn more about how it fosters positive outcomes. The following is a sketch of my observations about what is happening at each stage of the conference and why the order of these stages is particularly effective.
Read the full article.
