FOR-J: SOLIS SRLS’ Contribution to Consolidating Restorative Justice Practices with Young People

SOLIS SRLS participates as a partner in the European project FOR-J – Fostering Restorative Justice for the Youth, funded by the Erasmus+ programme. The project promotes restorative justice as a key approach to strengthening coexistence, emotional well-being, and active participation among young people in educational and community contexts.

FOR-J is grounded in a shared vision: justice and conflict transformation processes are most effective when built on dialogue, listening, and respect for lived experience. From SOLIS SRLS’ perspective, the project has provided an important European framework to test, validate, and consolidate well-established restorative practices.

Language as a Professional Tool for Repair

One of the central pillars of FOR-J is the conscious use of language in situations of conflict. From a restorative standpoint, language is never neutral: it can either reinforce harm or create the conditions for understanding and repair.

The project has reinforced the importance of moving beyond punitive frameworks towards a language that asks questions, supports reflection, and acknowledges impact. This approach contributes to the creation of safer and more inclusive spaces — particularly for young people — where conflict can be addressed constructively and without stigmatisation.

The Right to Be Heard as a Foundational Principle

FOR-J is grounded in a clear conviction: the right to be heard is not optional — it is fundamental. Active listening, practised without interruption or judgement, remains one of the most powerful restorative tools to foster trust, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.

SOLIS SRLS’ involvement in the project confirmed that when young people perceive their voices as genuinely valued, they engage more responsibly and proactively, becoming active contributors to more just, empathetic, and inclusive processes.

Conflict as a Space for Responsibility and Growth

In FOR-J, conflict is not framed as a failure, but as an integral part of social and educational dynamics. When addressed through restorative practices, conflict becomes a space for dialogue, mutual understanding, and relationship repair.

Through participatory methodologies, creative tools, and shared reflection spaces, the project has demonstrated how challenging situations can be transformed into opportunities for personal and collective development, without minimising complexity or responsibility.

Multisensory Space (MSS): A Restorative Practice Developed by SOLIS SRLS

Within the framework of FOR-J, on Friday, 14 November, SOLIS SRLS, together with the Italian partner TNC – Talent and Creativity ETS, implemented a Multisensory Space (MSS) activity focused on exploring the role of sensory experience in restorative justice processes.

The activity, delivered both onsite and online, involved educators, psychologists, and social workers and explored how sensory-based approaches can:

·       Create safe and non-judgemental environments

·       Support emotional awareness and regulation

·       Address situations of conflict and bullying

·       Contribute to restorative pathways with and for young people

Starting from a real case of bullying in a class chat, participants worked on emotions, needs, responsibilities, and possible actions for repair and prevention. The activity generated in-depth reflections on emotional care, shared responsibility, and the importance of contexts that foster listening and empathy.

Caring for Professionals as Part of Restorative Practice

FOR-J also reinforced a critical aspect of restorative work: the need to care for those who support young people. Educators, facilitators, and socio-educational professionals often navigate complex relational and emotional dynamics without sufficient spaces for reflection and support.

The project confirmed that restorative justice is not only a set of methods, but a professional ethic that includes care, sustainability, and attention to the well-being of all actors involved.

SOLIS SRLS’ Contribution and Outlook

Through its participation in FOR-J, SOLIS SRLS contributed to the consolidation and validation of restorative methodologies that integrate language, listening, empathy, and mutual care as core professional principles.

The project has strengthened SOLIS SRLS’ commitment to developing and applying practices that are transferable to educational, youth, and community contexts, reinforcing its role in promoting inclusion, emotional well-being, and social transformation at European level.

🔗 More information about the FOR-J project:🌐 https://for-jproject.eu/project/