Foundations of Restorative Justice Facilitation Course
This coming fall, ARJAA is offering a five part series of trainings designed to build core competencies for those new to RJ facilitation.
A restorative justice facilitator must be able to convene safe, meaningful spaces where open and honest dialogue can occur. These conversations have the potential to repair harm, transform people, and rebuild relationships. Our approach is practice intensive, allowing participants to gradually internalize theoretical knowledge while integrating skills into their facilitation practices.
Through this training series, participants will strengthen their facilitation communication skills, learn how to maintain a victim centered approach, and develop the confidence to guide complex restorative processes.
The Person, The Science, the Art: The Role of the Facilitator
Introduces participants to the foundational qualities, knowledge, and skills that make effective restorative justice facilitation possible—focusing on “the person” (inherent qualities), “the science” (theoretical knowledge and skills), and “the art” (judgment and timing). Through discussion and practice of core skills such as active listening, omni-partiality, and asking meaningful questions, participants will leave better equipped to create safe, supportive spaces for restorative dialogue.
Wednesday October 1 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Reflective Listening: Facilitator Communication
Focuses on reflective listening as a core facilitation skill for restorative justice practice. Participants will learn how to paraphrase, summarize, and validate in ways that demonstrate empathy, build trust, and encourage clients to share openly. By exploring the relationship between these techniques, facilitators will strengthen their ability to recognize and reflect clients’ thoughts, emotions, and needs with clarity and care.
Wednesday October 15 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Victim Centered Restorative Practice
Explores how restorative justice can meaningfully respond to the needs of victims and maintain a victim-centered approach. Participants will examine common justice needs and practical strategies for empowering victims through choice, voice, and safety in the RJ process. Through discussion and case examples, facilitators will learn how to guide restorative practices that uphold core principles of respect, empathy, and accountability.
Wednesday November 5 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Accountability Focused Restorative Practice
Explores how restorative justice facilitators can support people who have caused harm in taking responsibility while keeping the process victim-centered. Through reflection, case examples, and practice, participants will learn approaches that address shame, invite accountability, and foster conditions for meaningful repair.
Wednesday November 26 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Restorative Conferencing
This full-day session provides participants with the opportunity to strengthen their restorative facilitation skills through intensive role play practice. Working in small groups with coaches, participants will conduct initial meetings and a Restorative Conference, followed by structured debriefs to deepen learning. The day emphasizes realistic case scenarios, co-facilitation planning, and reflective discussion to build confidence and readiness for real-world facilitation.
Saturday December 13 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: $495.00 (free for ARJAA volunteers)
Registration
Limited seats available: course application deadline is September 26, 2025