The Three Pillars of Support:

5 Guiding Principles

Restorative Justice Philosophy

Relationship Based Community

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5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Guiding Principles History

­In 2000 Thistledew staff collaborated to create a set of 5 Guiding Principles that staff and students should follow.

­These principles would help us ensure our vision and mission statement are followed, as well as create an environment that fosters growth in our residents and staff.

­The 5 Guiding Principles are a very active and successful part of the Wilderness Endeavors Programming and used to be a large part of the residential programming.

5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

*I recognize that our physical and emotional safety must always come first.

*I will have an empathetic, respectful, and sincere attitude toward all individuals.

*I will be:
-- Honest with ourselves and others
-- Open to other points of view
-- Willing to step outside of our comfort zone

*I believe that recognizing success is more effective than pointing out failure.

*I believe that individuals are responsible for their own actions.

Physical & Emotional Safety

­Safety is essential to change, and it is the responsibility of both staff and residents.  Providing for emotional safety will often ensure physical safety. Safety will be monitored through open communication and respect, a clear definition of limits and boundaries, and nurtured by staff through a culture that encourages and stresses caring and empathy.

Empathetic & Sincere Attitude

­ We encourage the residents to listen and share their life experiences.  There are daily circles to discuss themes of the day, resolve conflicts, and check-in.  We expect both the residents and staff  to listen, share, and live with an empathetic, respectful, and sincere attitude.

H.O.W.

­Residents and staff are asked to be honest with themselves and others, open to other points of view, and willing to step outside their comfort zone.  We provide a safe space where they can learn to feel comfortable challenging themselves and attempting new activities and means to solve problems.

Success vs. Failure

­It is critical to recognize the strengths, resilience, and survival skills of the residents in our program.  Changing the pattern of perceived “failure” into acknowledgement of the reasons behind the resident’s choices is the first step towards healing.  Our program is strength-based and builds on student’s natural

Responsibility For Actions

      Our program holds both residents and staff accountable for their actions by dealing with choices they have made in a restorative manner.  We believe that we are all accountable for our actions when we verbally acknowledge responsibility and are given the opportunity to repair harm.  We utilize natural consequences, the actual effects of our actions, as teaching tools as much as possible.  Community responsibility is a key concept that guides our program.  We allow residents to acknowledge their effect on others and others’ effect on them.  In this way we get to the heart of disputes in a way that honors their connections to each other without minimizing personal responsibility.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PHILOSOPHY

­Focuses on the harm created by the offender when a crime occurs

­Focuses on restorative rather than punitive processes

­Looks for ways to heal those hurt by the crime           

­Values the offenders’ responsibility in repairing the harm they created when they commit a crime

­Values the victims’ point of view

­Provides for meaningful participation of the community, the victim, and the offender in the restorative process 

­Should be a philosophy inherent in all aspects of our program not a specific program model used

Restorative Processes used at Thistledew:

­         Circles 

­         Victim impact panel

­         Victim offender conference

­         Letters of amends

­         Victim impact statements

­         Journal assignments

­         Staff – Resident dialog on issues

­         Conflict Response Initiative (CRI)

RELATIONSHIP-BASED COMMUNITY

­Provide for emotionally meaningful learning interactions between staff and offenders.

­Focused on a holistic approach that facilitates the personal growth of the offender, not just correcting inappropriate surface behaviors.

­Believes creating meaningful change in our residents requires meaningful dialog about issues facing their lives.

­Meaningful dialog can only occur when there is sufficient trust between residents as well as with staff to provide a safe space for residents to share, learn and grow.

How we use the Three Pillars of Support Daily at MCF-Togo

OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING

Five Guiding Principles

­Daily Scoring system is based on the FGP

­Discharge summaries are based on FGP (WE only)

­Students memorize FGP the first week

­Daily Themes and Activities incorporate FGP 

­Used in student and group redirection.

Restorative Justice

­Built into discipline structure

­Conflict Resolution Circles    

­Victim impact assignments 

­Support System rebuilding

Relationship Based Community

­Empathetic approach, especially the first week. 

­Community Standards

­Daily circles and themes

­One on One counseling during Solo

­Little “extras” such as reading to students around the campfire

EDUCATION

Five Guiding Principles

­Revision of Personal Education Plan to be used with all students

­Classroom Student Expectations are consistent with FGP 

­Use of “point system” in school setting

Restorative Justice Philosophy

­Required coursework in peer influence,  solving personal problems, and building self-confidence 

­Morning “check in” to school, done daily

­Use of circle process within the school setting

Relationship-Based Community

­Required coursework in:  Mental and Emotional Health, Anger Management

­Participation in positive and productive school activities 

­Thinking for a Change curriculum

Residential Programs

Five Guiding Principles

­One on One consultation in tough times.

­Making sure the point of a disciplinary sanction is understood.

­Patting on the back for positive behavior- i.e. top 20%, plus points, student scoring

­Being honest in our dealings with the students and holding them to the same standard.

Restorative Justice Philosophy

­Evening “Check-Out” circles.

­Mediation between students to resolve conflict.

­Intervention in specific group dynamics.

­Certain disciplinary measures.

Relationship Based Community

­Developing trust and a level of friendship.

­Sharing personal interests and talents.

­Offering advice and direction in tough situations.

­Bringing a genuine concern for each student.

CHALLENGE INCARCERATION PROGRAM

Five Guiding Principles

­All written Learning Experiences focus on the specific Guiding Principle that was not followed. Most assignments are a minimum of two pages in length and are reviewed by staff.

Restorative Justice Philosophy

Relationship Based Community

Examples:

­Girls Endeavors and CIP Women “Telling their story.”

Purpose:

­To provide information in a comfortable safe setting.

­To encourage non-judgmental response to topics and experiences.