Restorative practices website launched
THE Wexford Restorative Practices Partnership ( WRPP) has launched a new website www. wrpp.ie to help promote the development of restorative practices throughout the county.
Speaking at the launch of the website at a reception attended by local TD’s, county councillors and officials, Wexford Local Development chairman Michael Wall said restorative practices can be used anywhere to prevent conflict, build relationships and repair harm by enabling people to communicate effectively and positively.
He welcomed the launch of the website and pointed out that restorative practices are increasingly being used in schools, communities and the criminal justice system.
Mr. Wall explained that WRPP is a relatively new multi-agency body which was established in 2016 with the aim of developing restorative practices in the county.
It already has the support of a large number of organisations and agencies that make up the WRPP committee including TUSLA the Child and Family Agency, County Wexford Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Wexford County Council, the Probation Service, the Garda, Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board, Wexford Education Centre, Wexford Local Development, Slaney Youth Diversion Project, Youth New Ross, SAFE Youth Diversion Project and the Cornmarket Project.
Speaking after the website launch, the chairman of Wexford Restorative Practices Partnerhip, Paul Delaney, said the establishment of of WRPP grew out of an action calling for the development of restorative practices in County Wexford as part of the overall county plan developed by the County Wexford Children and Young People’s Services Committee. He acknowledged that restorative practices may be a new concept for many people but said he hopes that the new website will answer many of the questions people might have about it.
Mr. Delaney said restorative practice is a way of working with people that is based on the philosophy that when people are given ownership and responsibility for their actions, there is a greater likelihood of positive, longterm interaction with other people, the development of empathy with others, and the establishment of healthy and productive communities.
‘ We are very fortunate in that we already have several accredited restorative practice facilitators and trainers who are part of WRPP and it is our intention to develop the existing training programmes that we currently offer so that we can facilitate those throughout County Wexford who can benefit from incorporating this approach into their work’, he said.
For further information contact Debbie Dillon Administrator Wexford Restorative Practices Partnership on 0539155817 or wexfordrpp@ gmail.com.