Margaret Thorsborne is a leading figure in restorative practices, dedicated to transforming the way communities address conflict and harm. As the Managing Director of Transformative Justice Australia and Thorsborne and Associates, she has pioneered the implementation of restorative justice methods in schools, workplaces, and communities worldwide. Margaret co-founded Restorative Practices International, the first global membership organization for restorative practitioners, and has authored several influential books, including Becoming a Trauma Informed Restorative Educator (with Joe Brummer).
In this episode, Margaret and Megan delve into the essence of restorative practices and their pivotal role in healing and repairing relationships. Margaret shares insights from her extensive experience, discussing the importance of focusing on healing rather than punishment when addressing harm. She opens up about her personal encounters with harm and reflects on supporting her own children through their mistakes, emphasising the value of empathy and understanding in fostering growth.
The conversation also addresses systemic issues, highlighting how schools can better implement restorative approaches to create supportive environments. Margaret critiques current political frameworks, pointing out how they often fail vulnerable populations, and advocates for policies that prioritise healing and community well-being over retribution.
Margaret's dedication to restorative practices has reshaped how institutions handle conflict, promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual respect. Her insights offer valuable guidance for educators, parents, policymakers, and anyone interested in building more compassionate and effective systems for addressing harm.
More on Marg's work can be found here.
Check out the Resorative Practices International website.
Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute
Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: [email protected]
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Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/