Transformative & Restorative Justice

We no longer just want to bridge the gap between inaccessibility and opportunity in underfunded and neglected communities. We are on a mission to build a pipeline of endless restoration and investments. Investments are not always monetary. Uplifting, assisting, empowering, and supporting young people as they heal from trauma and oppression, develop their interests, and blossom into societal leaders is an essential investment. It takes a village, right? Investment and empowerment through communal support is achievable, and a necessity for our youth.

Let’s be real - we all are human and make mistakes. We own them and take the opportunity to do better, be better, and still build our legacy. Second chances are a priority, but ensuring our young people have a first chance without barriers to success is the ultimate goal!

All of our initiatives are designed through transformative and restorative justice approaches to inspire, educate, and equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in this world. By providing youth with free, accessible programming, this will divert them from and reduce high rates of street activity. Each young person has a gift, so we want to create a space that will encourage them to dive into their interests and expand their knowledge.

Restorative Communities

We care about our youth and want nothing but success for them. We create restorative communities through positive youth development by fostering an inclusive environment where they feel valued, heard, respected, and supported to make better, positive choices.

Restorative Mentors

Social safety nets will give younger people autonomy to make decisions on their own while learning and growing from the outcomes. Get involved with our initiatives and become a restorative mentor today!

Restorative Schools

We promote restorative schools through 1:1 and group support for impacted students. Our multipart diversionary programs will come straight to your school or community! It’s important to have accessible prevention strategies and diversionary activities that reduce the likelihood of future involvement in the criminal justice system and protective factors.

We are developing a world that is centered around restoration and transformation.

Restorative Justice Circles

Restorative justice circles are structured, inclusive gatherings that bring together individuals affected by conflict or harm—such as students, educators, families, and community members—to engage in open dialogue. These circles are designed to foster understanding, accountability, and healing by allowing participants to share their perspectives, listen actively, and collaboratively develop solutions.

There are two primary types of restorative circles:

  • Proactive Circles: These are regularly scheduled meetings aimed at building relationships, establishing community norms, and promoting a positive school or community climate. By encouraging open communication and mutual respect, proactive circles help prevent conflicts before they arise.

  • Responsive Circles: These are convened after an incident of harm or conflict has occurred. The focus is on understanding the impact of the incident, addressing the needs of those affected, and collaboratively determining steps to make amends and prevent future occurrences.

Implementing restorative justice circles has been shown to reduce disciplinary issues, improve interpersonal relationships, and create a more inclusive environment. The Only Pipeline prioritizes empathy and collective problem-solving, and these circles empower individuals to take responsibility for their actions and contribute to a supportive community.

Why Restorative Justice Practices is Required in Our Schools & Communities

Restorative justice practices are essential tools for creating equitable, supportive, and effective educational and community environments. Unlike traditional punitive approaches, restorative justice practices focus on repairing harm, restoring relationships, and addressing the underlying causes of misconduct. Juvenile offenders who participated in restorative justice programs had a 50% lower likelihood of re-offending compared to those who did not participate. Schools implementing restorative justice practices have reported decreases in suspensions and absenteeism, along with increased feelings of safety and belonging among students.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduction in Exclusionary Discipline: Schools implementing restorative practices have observed significant decreases in suspensions and expulsions, leading to improved student engagement and academic outcomes.

  • Enhanced School Climate: By fostering open communication and mutual respect, restorative practices contribute to a more positive and inclusive school atmosphere, which benefits both students and staff.

  • Promotion of Equity: Restorative approaches help address and reduce disparities in disciplinary actions among students of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, promoting fairness and inclusivity.

  • Development of Social-Emotional Skills: Engaging in restorative practices enhances students' abilities in empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution, which are critical skills for personal and academic success.

The Only Pipeline is dedicated to supporting Delaware County communities through restorative justice practices that serve as proactive measures to address conflicts, reduce recidivism, and strengthen social bonds. By involving community members and stakeholders in the healing process for our young people, these practices build trust and resilience, laying the foundation for safer and more cohesive communities.