FAMILY FREEDOM CENTER OFFICE OF
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
Family Freedom Center operates a network of restorative practices programs in Central Hillside that help youth, families, and community members address conflict, repair harm, and strengthen relationships outside of punitive systems. Through these programs, residents resolve disputes, rebuild trust, and take accountability in ways that strengthen community stability.
Restorative practices offer an alternative to punishment and exclusion. Instead of focusing only on rule-breaking and discipline, restorative approaches ask deeper questions: What harm occurred? Who was affected? What needs to happen to repair that harm and restore relationships? Through facilitated dialogue and community participation, these processes help people take responsibility for their actions while rebuilding trust.
Families in Central Hillside often navigate multiple systems at once, including schools, courts, housing systems, and child welfare. These systems rarely operate in coordination, leaving families without clear pathways to resolve conflict or repair harm. Family Freedom Center’s restorative programs help bridge these gaps through community-led processes that prioritize accountability, stability, and healing.
To strengthen this work, Family Freedom Center is establishing the Office of Restorative Practices at the Washington Center, opening in Spring 2026. This space will serve as a neighborhood hub where community members can access mediation, restorative dialogue, and legal support while connecting with the broader network of restorative programs already operating at Family Freedom Center.
Building Community Infrastructure for Accountability, Healing, and Restoration
Restorative Practice Services
These are the core restorative services currently offered, with additional programs continuing to grow through Family Freedom Center and our partners.
FWRD is a restorative diversion program that helps youth address behavioral conflicts before they lead to suspension, expulsion, or court involvement. The program focuses on accountability, reflection, and repairing harm.
Common Understanding brings community members together to resolve conflicts through structured restorative dialogue. Trained facilitators guide conversations that help repair harm and strengthen relationships.
Preventative Foundations builds a culture of accountability and respect at The Center. Through restorative circles and guided dialogue, youth learn how to communicate, resolve conflict, and repair harm before situations escalate.
Restorative Practice Partnerships
These partners and stakeholders help invest in restorative practices and community stability across the Hillside neighborhood.
"We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends."
- Mary McLeod Bethune
American educator and philanthropist