Filmmaking, music, and audio production can reduce at-risk youth recidivism and promote restorative justice.
Restorative justice is a refreshing approach to justice, focusing on mending the harm caused by crime and misbehavior and altering the offender’s behavior. This approach, contrasting traditional discipline, strives to help youths comprehend their actions’ implications and offer them an opportunity to reconnect with their community.
Restorative Justice in Schools
According to a literature review by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, restorative justice programs in schools aim to prompt a shift in students’ behavior. This shift emphasizes:
- A healthy school community
- Reliance on relationships
- A sense of belonging over fear of punishment
Conferences are one common method employed in schools adopting restorative justice practices. These can address a variety of behaviors, such as truancy, chronic disruption, and misbehaviors (with and without direct victims).
The KRE8ivU Initiative
KRE8ivU is an organization offering music/audio production and cinematography/filmmaking programs to at-risk youth. These programs can serve as powerful tools in restorative justice and reduce recidivism rates for at-risk youth. By presenting these youths with a creative outlet, they can:
- Learn new skills
- Build self-esteem
- Foster positive relationships with peers and mentors
The Role of Music: Naima Shalhoub’s Perspective
Naima Shalhoub, an educator and artist, teaches voice and music to young people and adults. She advocates that music can be a potent tool for healing and restorative justice. In her interview with KQED, she highlighted that “Music is a way to connect with people, to connect with ourselves, and to connect with our emotions. It’s a way to express ourselves and to be heard.”
By introducing music to at-risk youth, we can offer them a creative means to express themselves and establish positive connections.
Cinematography and Filmmaking: Tools for Empowerment
Cinematography and filmmaking can also serve as powerful tools for restorative justice. In KRE8ivU, students learn to narrate their stories through film and video. By providing a platform to share their experiences, they can gain:
- A sense of empowerment
- Control over their lives
Oakland High School’s restorative justice program uses filmmaking to help students share their stories and build empathy with their peers, according to an article by EdSource. The program has shown success in reducing suspensions, expulsions, and improving academic achievement.
Career Prospects and Higher Education Achievements
These programs can also significantly impact personal relationships, self-esteem, career prospects, and higher education achievements. As per a literature review by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, restorative justice programs can:
- Reduce recidivism rates
- Improve academic achievement
By equipping at-risk youth with skills and confidence to pursue careers in music/audio production and cinematography/filmmaking, we can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and crime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, music/audio production, and cinematography/filmmaking can aid in restorative justice and reduce recidivism rates for at-risk youth. These programs offer a creative outlet, foster positive relationships, and provide career opportunities. By investing in these programs, we can break the cycle of poverty and crime and cultivate a brighter future for our communities.