Giving Back using Life Stories: How to use restorative justice to change behavior

Format

Workshop

First Presenter's Institution

The Messengers

First Presenter’s Email Address

abroughton@themessengers.net

First Presenter's Brief Biography

For 33 years, Andy Broughton worked at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ), beginning as a Juvenile Correctional Officer and working his way up to the Executive Management team. While there, Mr. Broughton led the charge to change the agency culture from a punitive, correctional system to that of a restorative and rehabilitative mindset. He used his expertise in active listening, behavior management systems, and restorative justice processes to cultivate a rehabilitative culture at SCDJJ. Mr. Broughton has also served as Administrator of SCDJJ’s long-term facility and the Director of Restorative Justice Mr. Broughton is most proud of his work at SCDJJ with a unique group called the Insiders. The Insiders are incarcerated youth who travel the state speaking and educating other youth about decision-making and positive change. Mr. Broughton was critical in developing its vision and core values and has always advocated for its continued integrity at SCDJJ. The Insiders have been locally and nationally recognized and spoken before countless groups across the state, as well as served on the SC Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, to advocate for change in juvenile justice. Through the Insider program, Mr. Broughton has developed a strong presence in the community as a youth advocate and mentor. The unique aspect of the Insiders is that even after members are paroled, they continue to speak publicly about their experiences. Since his retirement, Mr. Broughton has gathered this group and created THE MESSENGERS, an organization of former Insiders that provides motivational speaking, trainings, and consultations on the power of positive relationships and strategies in working with youth. To further carry out this mission, Mr. Broughton has started a nonprofit organization called the Keep On Giving Foundation to provide support and assistance to individuals leaving correctional facilities to use their life stories as tools of change both internal and external. Mr. Broughton is an author and a alumnus of the University of South Carolina obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Second Presenter's Institution

The Messengers

Second Presenter’s Email Address

goinghardwithneweyes@gmail.com

Second Presenter's Brief Biography

After being incarcerated as a youth, Dave overcame many obstacles to become a devoted father and mentor to many people who are experiencing difficulties in their own lives. Dave is now a certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker that works countless hours empowering communities to love and support one another.

Third Presenter's Institution

The Messengers

Third Presenter’s Email Address

j.allenplus3@yahoo.com

Third Presenter's Brief Biography

John is a motivational speaker that spent his youth in correctional facility where he joined a public speaking group that helped him to take control of his life and become a productive member of society and a loving father. John now travels the country telling his story of hope to light a spark in youth and adults that they can make a difference.

Fourth Presenter's Institution

The Messengers

Fourth Presenter’s Email Address

gordanbrown95@gmail.com

Fourth Presenter's Brief Biography

Gordan Brown had a turbulent childhood filled with multiple placements and poor decisions. Gordan’s path led him to being incarcerated in a youth facility in Columbia, SC at the age of fifteen. While there, Gordan joined a public speaking group that altered his trajectory. Gordan has served on the SC Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council and is now a member of The Messengers and uses this platform to tell his story of change nationwide. Gordan inspires audiences to maintain hope that just by changing your attitude you can change your future. Gordan resides in Charleston County and is a loving father of four.

Submitter

I am submitting this proposal on behalf of the presenter(s)

Location

Scarbrough 4

Strand #1

Hands: Safety & Violence Prevention

Strand #2

Heart: Social & Emotional Skills

Relevance

The Messengers will share their lived experiences to demonstrate how lives can be turned from violence to peace using basic principles of restorative justice and through positive relationships. The Messengers stories of changed lives will also demonstrate the power of developing certain social skills and their effects.

Brief Program Description

This workshop features The Messengers who were incarcerated as youth but have turned their lives around. The Messengers will share their experiences/insights on how one caring adult and restorative justice made a significant impact on them. The speakers will explain how to avoid violence and live positive lives. The session will end with open discussions through a question-and-answer period.

Summary

The Messengers were part of a public speaking team while they were incarcerated as youth. They have now been released and share their lived experiences to educate youth and adults on the power and influence that one caring adult can have in a youth's life. They also share how restorative justice principles prompted their life changes. This group uses public speaking as a tool to promote personal responsibility, peer support, positive relationships, and mutual respect.

Evidence

Restorative Justice has been established as an effective alternative to retributive justice and is making great strides in both adult and youth judicial systems as a more effective response to crime and violence.

Peer support and mentoring has also been shown to have greater effects than systems that do not utilize them.

Books and articles:

Howard Zehr (1990). Changing Lenses: A new focus for crime and justice, Herald Press Scottdale PA

A. Brierley (2023). Experiential peers cultivate a participation culture in youth justice. Safer Communities, 22(2), 78-90.

Mayra Lopez-Humphreys & Barbara Teater (2018). Peer mentoring justice-involved youth: a training model to promote secondary desistance and restorative justice among mentors. The International Journal of Restorative Justice. 1. 187-209. 10.5553/IJRJ/258908912018001002002.

Learning Objective 1

understand restorative justice and its effectiveness in prompting changed behaviors

Learning Objective 2

form stronger relationships that will be more impacted and have greater results

Learning Objective 3

more effectively work with youth who are experiencing difficult situations

Keyword Descriptors

Youth, peer pressure, restorative justice, change, peer mentor, lived experience

Presentation Year

2025

Start Date

3-3-2025 1:00 PM

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Mar 3rd, 1:00 PM

Giving Back using Life Stories: How to use restorative justice to change behavior

Scarbrough 4

This workshop features The Messengers who were incarcerated as youth but have turned their lives around. The Messengers will share their experiences/insights on how one caring adult and restorative justice made a significant impact on them. The speakers will explain how to avoid violence and live positive lives. The session will end with open discussions through a question-and-answer period.