In a compelling discourse on the realm of Restorative Justice, Vicenç Rullan presented a perspective that champions the merits of a multi-tiered approach to relational and restorative practice implementation. Drawing from his vast experience as a school psychologist, educator across multiple grade levels, and advisor on well-being and coexistence, Rullan offered a unique vantage point on how to best navigate and implement restorative justice practices in educational and broader social contexts.
Rullan’s central proposition revolved around the three-tiered structure, emphasizing particularly on the Tier I interventions. Contrary to common motivations, where people are drawn to Restorative Justice primarily to hone their conflict resolution skills, Rullan advocated for the significance of proactive interventions. He believes that the foundation of Restorative Justice should be built upon creating robust communities, ensuring psychological safety, and fostering holistic social and emotional education.
While Tiers II and III specifically address conflict resolution aspects, including mediation, restorative circles, and conferencing, Rullan underscored the transformative potential of Tier I. He posited that a strong emphasis on proactive measures not only preempts potential conflicts but also cultivates a nurturing environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and safe.
A noteworthy element of his presentation was the introduction and emphasis on the “Provention Scale”. Rullan proposed this as an instrumental tool in the effective realization of Tier I interventions. He asserted that this scale would act as a practical addition, aiding the depth and growth of the restorative paradigm, thus enabling practitioners to adopt a more preventive than reactive approach.
With credentials that span a master’s degree in conflict resolution and mediation, a tenure as an advisor at the Ministry of Education of the Balearic Islands, and affiliations with esteemed organizations such as the Balearic Islands Association of Justice and Restorative Practice, Rullan’s insights are grounded in years of hands-on experience and scholarly research. His roles in advising schools on conflict management, bullying prevention, peer mediation, and restorative practices have evidently informed his perspective, making his case even more compelling.
What resonated profoundly was Rullan’s emphasis on reshaping the narrative around Restorative Justice. Instead of primarily viewing it as a means to address and resolve conflict, he highlighted the transformative power of proactive interventions. By focusing on fostering community bonds, ensuring psychological safety, and integrating social and emotional learning into education systems, Restorative Justice, as Rullan envisions, can act as a holistic framework for nurturing harmonious coexistence.
In conclusion, Vicenç Rullan’s presentation provided a fresh, pragmatic perspective on the implementation of Restorative Justice. It was a call to action for educators, practitioners, and all stakeholders involved – urging them to re-evaluate and reshape their approach towards this powerful paradigm. By emphasizing proactive interventions and the innovative Provention Scale, Rullan’s insights stand as a beacon for those seeking to cultivate an environment rooted in understanding, respect, and mutual growth.
