The purpose of this book is to illuminate a theory of youth engagement
in restorative justice that seeks to create systems change for more
equitable schools. The authors define youth engagement in restorative
justice as partnering with young people most impacted by structural
injustice as changemakers in all aspects of restorative practices
including community building, healing, and the transformation of
institutions. Based on Adam Fletcher's version of the Ladder of Youth
Engagement, coupled with Barbara Love's model of liberatory
consciousness and an analysis of youth engagement in Restorative Justice
in three different regions--Western Massachusetts, Oakland, and
Houston--the authors provide a theoretical contribution: Youth
Engagement in Restorative Justice grounded in liberatory consciousness.
In this book readers will find:
- Comparative case studies from different parts of the country of youth
led restorative justice programs.
- An exploration of the cultural and historical context of each region
to situate the work.
- Stories from the authors' own lives that provide context for their
interest in the work given their varied racial identities (White,
Black, Latinx, South Asian) and upbringing.
- Literature review of the language of youth engagement vs. youth
leadership/youth organizing/youth participation, along with a new
definition of youth engagement in restorative justice.
- Theoretical framing based on Adam Fletcher's Ladder of Youth
Engagement, which provides a structure for the book.
- Exploration of how adults must combat adultism both individually and
systematically as a prerequisite to doing this work.
- Student narratives.
- Applications of the work in the virtual context.
