What should school counselors emphasize when using restorative practices to address conflict?

When using restorative practices to address conflict, the primary focus should be on repairing relationships. This approach emphasizes the importance of restoring the harm done to individuals and the community, rather than solely punishing the offenders or defining consequences. By prioritizing relationships, school counselors can facilitate open communication, encourage empathy, and help individuals involved in the conflict understand each other's perspectives.

Restoring relationships creates a foundation for healing and resolution. It helps individuals to reflect on their actions and the impact these actions have on others, fostering a sense of accountability while promoting an environment of support and understanding. This approach can lead to more sustainable resolutions to conflicts, as it addresses the underlying issues and encourages a collaborative atmosphere where both parties can move forward positively.

Other options, while relevant in some contexts, do not align as closely with the principles of restorative practices. Defining consequences may focus too much on punishment rather than healing; promoting agreement can sometimes overlook deeper issues that need resolution; and eliminating recurrences, while important, does not directly address the relational aspects that restorative practices prioritize.