The brutal beating of Henry McClendon's father by a group of troubled teens sparked a new vision for Detroit that not only included restorative justice, but led to repairing harm, restoring relationships and building social capital.
Using a restorative check-in circle, court staff at Detroit's Third Circuit Court are finding the professional and personal support to help residents who they often see on their worst day.
Hope Academy, a public charter school in Detroit, grapples with the challenge of sustaining a restorative practices culture amidst staff changes, student expectations, and community involvement.
Rhonda Calloway, an educator at Hope Academy, demonstrates how creating authentic relationships with students through restorative practices circles is critical to academic achievement and youth empowerment.