Restorative Practices – Focusing on Relationships & Community

During the course of a young person working to achieve independence at Larkin Street — passing their GED, building employment skills, learning how to live with others — challenges arise that endanger youths’ success. A resident might steal a cell phone from a housemate, two classmates might get into a fight, or drugs might be found in a client’s room. Breaking rules like these could lead to eviction warnings or even expulsion from a program. This response to conflict can place young people back on the streets, possibly at risk and with little opportunity. Larkin Street uses a strategy called Restorative Practices to respond to these situations in ways which include alternatives to punitive measures.

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