Little Book of Youth Engagement in Restorative Justice

The purpose of this book is to illuminate a theory of youth engagement in restorative justice that seeks to create systems change for more equitable schools. The authors define youth engagement in restorative justice as partnering with young people most impacted by structural injustice as changemakers in all aspects of restorative practices including community building, healing, and the transformation of institutions. Based on Adam Fletcher’s version of the Ladder of Youth Engagement, coupled with Barbara Love’s model of liberatory consciousness and an analysis of youth engagement in Restorative Justice in three different regions—Western Massachusetts, Oakland, and Houston—the authors provide a theoretical contribution: Youth Engagement in Restorative Justice grounded in liberatory consciousness.

Reviews:
This little book is an amazing addition to the Little Book series and an important resource for deepening our collective understanding of restorative justice and educational justice. Our youth bring so much wisdom to the work of restorative justice and yet, in too many schools, restorative justice becomes something implemented FOR or TO young people, rather than WITH or BY them. The authors remind us of the importance of youth leadership and of intergenerational engagement, but they don’t stop there. They go on to demonstrate practical ways for us to do that. Through images and stories, authentic experiences are shared as a way to support the work of creating more just and restorative schools and communities. This book is a gift to anyone interested in building their understanding of restorative and educational justice. (Amazon reviewer, 2023)

I love, love, love this little book! As an RJ practitioner with seven years of experience, I tell people that our work and skillset necessitate study when they ask how I maintain such sharp facilitation skills. This little book has challenged my thinking on how adults utilize or weaponize the presence of young people in restorative justice processes and the implementation of said practices. The authors do an excellent job of speaking with the adults reading their text to see young people as our equals in and out of the circle. I feel incredibly humbled to be able to hear from young people about their perceptions and experiences with restorative justice. This little book is a seminal text for all striving for an anti-white supremacist restorative justice framework and application that includes youth. Thank you to the incredible and brilliant authors and youth for sharing your stories and giving the RJ world a beautiful gift. (Amazon reviewer, 2024)

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