“Be this framework” - Embodying Restorative Justice with Kerrie Sellen

Restorative Works!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Kerrie Sellen to the Restorative Works! Podcast, World Conference series. This series of conversations was held during the 2023 IIRP World Conference, Building Thriving Communities, A Radical Approach Through Restorative Practices, held in Detroit, MI, October 2-4, 2023.

Kerrie speaks about engaging in work with youth in Australia and dealing with the frustrations of attempting to create change in an antiquated and wholly punitive justice system. She discusses her trajectory as a restorative justice professional, creating and implementing programs with the help of work started by Terry O’Connell. Kerrie reminds us that to build meaningful connections with others, we must first do the internal work with ourselves.

Kerrie has over thirty years of experience in community services including youth justice, homelessness, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol program design and delivery. She started her career with Youth Justice in South Australia including on-the-ground work in youth detention facilities and home detention roles. After experiencing what doesn't work, Kerrie established and transformed a youth organization using an explicit restorative practice framework with staff as well as clients. This resulted in Kerrie's organization being recognized and published in Business Review Weekly as Australia's 6th best workplace based on a vigorous study into workplace culture. Kerrie now works with schools, communities, and workplaces to support healthy connected cultures and reduce violence and harm when it occurs.