More About Restorative Justice in West Virginia!
At Waugh Law & Mediation, our mission is to resolve legal conflicts through alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, collaborative law, and restorative justice. Our website includes a great deal of information to assist you in understanding how we describe or define restorative justice. (A blog post about how RJ is just common sense may also be helpful!) Over the past few years, I have been honored to be a part of the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project, a statewide initiative dedicated to advancing restorative justice practices across our communities.
Through this initiative, we have hosted several impactful events, including webinars, a Restorative Justice Summit, and a state-wide Talking Circle event. A major milestone for us came in December when we officially became a nonprofit organization in West Virginia, and I stepped into the role of volunteer part-time executive director. This new phase allows us to expand our reach and deepen our commitment to restorative justice efforts throughout the state.
Upcoming Skills-Building Institute
In response to growing interest from communities across West Virginia, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming full-day Skills-Building Institute this summer in Morgantown. This hands-on training will provide participants with essential skills in two key restorative justice practices: Talking Circles and Victim-Offender Dialogues.
Attendees will spend half of the day refining their abilities in facilitating restorative justice Talking Circles, followed by a session focused on Victim-Offender Dialogues. These skills are crucial for fostering healing, understanding, and accountability in conflict resolution. We have opportunities for attendees and volunteers to participate. The early registration cost is only $60.00, and we anticipate applying for C.E.Us. in several areas. Registration is open!
Meet Our Expert Trainers
We are honored to welcome two nationally renowned experts in restorative justice to lead these workshops:
Judge Wesley Saint Clair (Ret.)
Judge Saint Clair will lead the Talking Circle session, offering valuable insights into its processes, benefits, and guidelines. With a distinguished 30-year career in the King County court system, Judge Saint Clair has presided over a vast array of cases, demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, and restorative justice.
His extensive judicial background includes serving as Chief Judge of Juvenile Court in King County and as a faculty member at the Washington State Judicial College. Recognized for his dedication to justice and humanitarian efforts, Judge Saint Clair has received numerous accolades, including the King County Bar Association’s Outstanding Judge of the Year award.
Tracey Battle
Leading our Victim-Offender Dialogue workshop, Tracey Battle brings over a decade of experience in restorative justice and educational administration. As the CEO of Restore 2 Rebuild, LLC, and a lead trainer at Bowie State University, Tracye has spearheaded transformative restorative and behavioral justice initiatives.
Her expertise in urban education, positive behavior intervention systems, and systemic change has empowered educators and community leaders to create more inclusive and supportive environments. With a passion for fostering emotional intelligence and equity, Tracey’s work continues to impact communities across the country.
Join Us in Advancing Restorative Justice
Our Skills-Building Institute is an opportunity for individuals passionate about conflict resolution, community healing, and justice reform to deepen their expertise. Whether you are an educator, legal professional, or community leader, this training will equip you with practical tools to implement restorative justice practices effectively.
We invite you to be part of this transformative event and join us in building a more restorative and just West Virginia.
About Restorative Justice
If you have questions about restorative justice, you may be able to find a significant amount of information on our website. Information about restorative justice and victims of crime, restorative justice in schools, restorative justice and youthful offenders, restorative justice and reentry after incarceration, and restorative justice and drug courts. Also, please contact me if you or your organization is interested in expanding the role of restorative justice in your work.