PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Restorative Justice Community Court arrives in North Lawndale
Released On 07/20/2017
The Circuit Court of Cook County is set to launch a new
approach to address nonviolent crime with the opening of its first-ever
Restorative Justice Community Court in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood,
Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans announced today.
“As
a court system, we must work to end the cycle of recidivism. Our new Community
Court empowers victims and residents to work as our partners to help restore
nonviolent individuals back to society, provide restitution to victims, and
improve our overall quality of life,” Chief Judge Evans said.
Part
of what makes the court so unique is that it is held outside of a traditional
court setting, and participants sit at a table on the same level as the judge.
The
Restorative Justice Community Court (RJCC) will serve the North Lawndale
neighborhood, and court proceedings will convene at UCAN, 3605 W. Fillmore St.,
with Circuit Judge Colleen F. Sheehan presiding. The RJCC will operate once a
week on Thursdays beginning August 31.
The
RJCC will apply restorative justice practices to emphasize the ways that crime
harms relationships in the community and brings together the people most impacted
by the crime to repair the harm. Under the model, defendants take
accountability for their actions and then work out an agreement with the person
harmed and the community that can focus on restitution, community service, and letters
of apology.
This
approach helps reintegrate offenders back into the community by connecting them
with services including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment,
education, job training, and parenting classes.
“Every
human being in every community wants safety and a sense of belonging. This
court helps provide structure and support so that the community of North
Lawndale can bring that healing home,” Judge Sheehan said.
For
a case to be eligible for the court, the victim of the crime must agree to
participate in the process. In addition, the person charged must:
- Be 18 to 26
- Have been charged with a
nonviolent felony or misdemeanor
- Live in North Lawndale
- Have a nonviolent criminal
history
- Accept responsibility for the
harm caused
The
Community Court will resolve conflicts through restorative conferences and
peace circles involving defendants, victims, family members, friends, others
affected by the crime, and the community. Victims have the opportunity to directly
address the defendant to express how they were hurt and what they need to heal
from the crime.
Judge
Sheehan will make decisions on community-based sentences and treatment for the
defendants. The Social Service Department, a community corrections agency which
reports to Chief Judge Evans, will work with the RJCC on this initiative. Defendants
who successfully complete the program may have the opportunity to have their
charges dropped and arrests expunged.
To
help open the court, the Circuit Court of Cook County received a $200,000 grant
from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance, administered
by the New York-based Center for Court Innovation. Members of the community
were extensively involved in the development and planning of the RJCC. Planning
was guided by a steering committee that consisted of both community and government
stakeholders.
In
its first year, the RJCC is expected to serve about 100 defendants.
ABOUT UCAN
UCAN
is an innovative social service agency that has been a sanctuary for youth who
have suffered trauma. Today, serving more than 11,600 youth and families, UCAN
offers a full continuum of services to meet the critical needs of Chicagoland’s
at-risk populations. Recognized as a leader in trauma-informed treatment,
violence prevention, youth development and diversity and inclusion, UCAN's
clinical approach to healing is united, culturally relevant and consistent. For
more information, visit ucanchicago.org.
Follow the court on Twitter@CookCntyCourt
