Restorative Justice and the Odyssey of Integration
The metaphor of an odyssey captures the complex journeys of children on the move, marked by trauma, resilience, and hope. Restorative justice and restorative practices offer pathways for these children to heal, rebuild trust, and foster inclusion. However, to be truly restorative, the “difficult others” in their lives (e.g. families left behind, traffickers, hostile host communities, or biased institutions) must also be part of the dialogue.
While the causes of migration (e.g. natural disasters, armed conflict, trafficking) are critical, to keep the scope of the seminar focused and impactful, we focus on the experiences of children on the move as they transition into life in Europe.
Restorative justice and restorative practices can address the systemic barriers faced by children on the move, such as:
- Institutional biases (e.g., in schools, housing, or healthcare systems that may inadvertently exclude or disadvantage children).
- Host community privileges and prejudices that may polarise relationships.
- Power imbalances in refugee centres or other settings where children are vulnerable to exploitation or neglect.
The seminar will focus on arrival and integration in Europe, addressing how restorative practices can foster supportive environments in schools, families, communities, and institutions. Key questions include:
- How can schools, families, and communities use restorative approaches to build inclusive spaces for children on the move?
- How can systemic biases in host institutions be addressed through restorative practices?
- How can the lived experiences of children on the move inspire new restorative justice practices?
- What role can restorative justice play in reducing polarisation and bridging cultural divides?
- How can restorative practices transform power dynamics in settings where children depend on authority figures?
