BELFAST — The University of Maine Hutchinson Center of Belfast will offer a six-session program on restorative practices beginning Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Subsequent dates in 2019 are Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8 and April 26.

Participants from a variety of fields will benefit from this dynamic program, including primary, secondary and post-secondary education; social work and family services; corrections, criminal justice and policing; non-profit organizations; healthcare; and community development.

All sessions are held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost of the program is $600 per person for the six sessions and includes materials, a light breakfast and catered lunch. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Upon completion, participants will earn a certificate in restorative practices and 4.2 CEUs/42 contact hours.

The restorative approach emphasizes the importance of creating a positive, healthy school climate based on empathy, trust and respect. Research shows that students who are connected to school, peers and teachers in a safe, welcoming environment show academic and social improvement. Restorative practices are currently used in several Maine schools, juvenile correction facilities and youth-serving organizations.

The program is led by two professionals in the field, Carrie Sullivan and Sarah Matari. As health educator and advocate, Sullivan has championed policies and programs aimed at improving individual and community health. She promotes restorative practices as a framework that honors and invites the voices of all stakeholders into shaping lasting solutions to our deepest challenges.

Sullivan joined the Restorative Justice Project in 2016 as the assistant director and became the executive director in 2018.

Matari began early in her legal career to provide restorative mediation services to New York City-based institutions and communities. She delivers mediation and restorative circle trainings to staff and students, and facilitates and trains staff to lead restorative interventions in order to repair harm done in the community.

Participants will gain techniques to build strong, connected cultures; learn problem-solving tools to reach solutions that build safer and healthier environments; practice new ways of relating to people, and organizations; and improve decision-making and leadership skills.

Building connections with other professionals who are committed to living the values and principles of restorative practices is another positive outcome.

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, contact Diana McSorley, at (207) 338-8093; or via email at diana.mcsorley@maine.edu. To register online visit hutchinsoncenter.umaine.edu/professional-development.