[1]: 4–5 The International Institute for Restorative Practices Graduate School grew out of the experience of the Community Service Foundation and Buxmont Academy (CSF Buxmont),[2] two Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that have been providing education, counseling, residential and other services for troubled youth and their families in south eastern Pennsylvania since 1977.

In 1999 it decided to create a specialized scientific and educational institution to foster the development of restorative practices.

[3] IIRP students include educators, counselors, social workers, criminal justice professionals, clergy, administrators and other adult learners.

Learning modalities range from free webinars to multi-day events that provide practical skills and can be applied toward graduate credit with the addition of online course work.

The IIRP and its related organizations have trained thousands of individuals since its inception as the Real Justice program in 1995.