About NDRPC
Mission
The Restorative Practices Council (RPC) sets standards and promotes consistency for restorative practices in North Dakota schools. We work to improve access, availability, and quality of these practices for all students and communities with strong school collaboration, implementation, and coordination.
Vision
All students and communities in North Dakota have access to effective restorative practices that support healing, accountability, and belonging.
Values
Equality
We work to ensure restorative practices are accessible and meaningful for all, especially those most impacted by systemic barriers.
Consistency
We promote clear standards to support sustainable, data-informed implementation.
Collaboration
We partner with educators, students, families, and communities to co-create solutions rooted in shared goals and local needs.
Why the Restorative Practices Council Was Created
In February 2024, North Dakota’s Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group and the Central Regional Education Association partnered with Consensus Council to launch the state’s first Restorative Practices Council (RPC). At present, the RPC is facilitated by Consensus Council.
The RPC supports schools in implementing restorative practices school-wide by providing coordination, practical tools, resources, and ongoing guidance to help create positive, relationship-centered learning environments.
What Prompted the RPC
A statewide assessment revealed in 2020:
- North Dakota ranked 10th nationally in youth commitment rates.
- Many youths were referred to the justice system just to access services, even when they posed no public safety risk.
- Service gaps were especially severe in rural and tribal areas.
- Practices varied widely across regions, leading to inconsistent outcomes.
- Agencies lacked data and tools to track performance and improve results.
Our Role
The RPC helps schools:
- Use restorative practices to resolve conflict and build accountability.
- Reduce reliance on punitive measures and out-of-home placements.
- Strengthen coordination and consistency across systems.