Edwin, a teenage boy, smiles calmly in front of a patterned tapestry
Larencia smiles and raises her arms at a Peace of the City cycling event
Mohammed smiles for a spotlight portrait in front of a brick background

Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by often unlawful or trauma driven behavior.

It is best accomplished through cooperative processes that include all stakeholders.  These meetings can lead to transformation of people, relationships and communities.

POTC, in partnership with Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition and Buffalo Public Schools, is one of four designated Restorative Conferencing city-wide sites implementing this national best practice model with referred suspended students from Buffalo Public Schools and the community at large.

POTC is also working to be Buffalo’s first school time programming for suspended students.

“There were over 10,000 suspensions in the Buffalo Public Schools for the 2015/2016 school year.” – Buffaloschools.org
“Students who were suspended once in ninth grade dropped out of high school twice as often as their peers who were not suspended.”
“Restorative Justice is focused on the belief that those affected by harm can work together to repair it and that this collaboration leads to true accountability.”