National Restorative Coaching Program
The NCORJ’s National Restorative Coaching Program (NRCP) provides restorative justice practitioners with individualized support in restorative skills, frameworks, and programmatic implementation. One-on-one coaching is delivered by restorative justice leaders who have a depth of experience from a wide range of restorative justice contexts. As a continuation of formal training, coaching aims to deepen the innate capabilities and confidence of practitioners nationwide.
The NRCP’s goal is to draw on the experience and knowledge of a national team of RJ coaches who partner with next generation RJ practitioners to enhance the use of restorative justice and improve US criminal justice policy and practices. The NRCP offers restorative coaching to RJ practitioners who can benefit from thought partnership and leverage additional RJ resources to enhance or expand their RJ efforts.
Coaching insights and guidance were the most transformational component of my restorative journey because of the support and generation of new ideas that it provided. —Participant, Certificate in RJ Facilitation and Leadership at USD
For Practitioners
Individuals currently involved in implementing, participating, or supporting restorative justice (RJ) programming are eligible to receive coaching. Coaching will cover a range of focus areas such as conference and circle facilitation support, roleplaying and feedback, and the development and implementation of RJ programming and policies.
Each practitioner will receive up to 10 hours of coaching, scheduled over a six-month period in collaboration with their assigned coach. Thanks to grant funding provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), practitioners can benefit from coaching sessions at no cost. Practitioners must be based in the United States to be eligible.
If you are interested in receiving RJ coaching, please complete the NRCP intake form below.
For Coaches
The NRCP utilizes a national team of restorative coaches to collaborate with RJ practitioners who are looking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Coaches help practitioners develop agency through observations and feedback, providing guidance on the development and implementation of RJ programs, as well as policy and advocacy work. Coaches follow a standard coaching model that emphasizes self-reflection and growth among practitioners, while also sharing valuable insights and lessons learned from their own experiences working in the field.
The NRCP aims to recruit individuals with varied backgrounds and perspectives to serve as coaches. Each coach is responsible for working with 1-3 practitioners, providing them with up to 10 hours of coaching throughout a six-month period. Coaches chosen to take part in the NRCP will receive compensation from a BJA grant.
At this time, the NRCP is happy to announce that it has reached its current capacity for coaches and is not currently accepting any new coach applications. Please continue to keep an eye out for when applications reopen.