The circle offers an alternative to contemporary meeting processes that often rely on hierarchy, win/lose positioning, and victim/rescuer approaches to relationships. The circle process is a way of bringing people together that creates individual and collective empowerment. This process is derived from the aboriginal and native traditions, in which the circle is considered to be sacred and essential to community wellbeing. The circle process also brings together individuals who wish to engage in conflict resolution, healing, support, decision making or other activities in which honest communication, relationship development, and community building are the desired outcomes.
Quest Academy uses Restorative Justice as an approach to rectify minor and serious student offenses. Restorative Justice has been cited as an effective method to deal with student transgressions without retribution, shaming or isolation. Restorative Justice creates a circle that is a safe space and where everyone has a voice and is able to share their unique perspective without interruption. The goals of Restorative Justice include:
- Reducing reliance on suspension, expulsion and police intervention
- An alternative way to addressing school and victim safety
- Sustaining a connection with offending students
- Reintegrating offending students back into school communities.
