Restorative approaches can be used in many settings involving children and young people in order to help increase participation and build a sense of belonging and community, as well as to resolve disputes. Above all a restorative approach will give children and young people the opportunity to be heard and to be listened to.

Here are a few examples of the areas where restorative approaches can be used:

• Youth cafes
• Youth diversion programmes
• Drug education and prevention
• Neighbourhood projects
• Parent support
• Youth leadership programmes

The use of restorative approaches helps to develop relationship skills such as active listening, emotional literacy, negotiation, cooperation and conflict resolution. A youth setting that adopts a restorative ethos will develop a stronger sense of community, reduce the overall incidence of conflict and build a happier, more productive environment.