Restorative Justice Community Courts

Overview

Restorative Justice Community Courts (RJCC) are aimed at young adults, aged 18-26, charged with non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes. Part of the court’s mission is to end the harmful cycle of revenge and recidivism. The courts resolve conflict through restorative conferences and peace circles involving participants, victims, family members, friends, others affected by the crime, and the community.

The purpose of the circle process is to ultimately reach an agreement between the participant and members of the community called a Repair of Harm Agreement, in which the participant agrees to complete certain tasks, such as perform community engagement, write a letter of reflection, undergo substance abuse treatment, and other tasks. The Repair of Harm Agreement is a contract between the participant and the community. If the participant successfully completes all the tasks set out in the agreement, his or her case will be dismissed, the offense expunged, and the participant will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony celebrating this milestone in his or her life.

Victims are not required to participate. But if they choose, they may directly address the participant to express how they were hurt and what they need to heal from the crime.

Scientific research has shown that the brains of young adults are still emerging, and that the portion of the brain responsible for good judgment isn’t fully developed until the age of 26. Restorative Justice Community Courts give young adults a second chance to keep their records clean and get their lives back on track. Participants who successfully complete the program may have the opportunity to have their charges dismissed and arrest and court records expunged. 

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 years old
  • Have been charged with a nonviolent felony or misdemeanor  
  • Live, work, or worship in one of the neighborhoods which has a community court  
  • Have a nonviolent criminal history  
  • Accept responsibility for the harm caused  

The first Restorative Justice Community Court in Cook County started in North Lawndale on Chicago’s West Side in 2017. Two more courts started in Avondale on the Northwest Side and Englewood on the South Side in 2020. A new location in Sauk Village opened on July 15, 2024. As resources permit, the court plans to establish RJCC in additional areas of Cook County.   

Resources

Restorative Justice Community Courts Brochure

Restorative Justice Community Courts Handbook

The Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court Newsletter Summer 2022

The Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court Newsletter Summer 2021
 

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact the Office of the Chief Judge at OCJ.chief@cookcountyil.gov 

Main Location & Contact Information
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Judges Information

This section provides a short list of judges serving in the Restorative Justice Community Courts together with their courtroom location, room number, and telephone number. Click into each judge’s page to view their standing orders (if the judge has a standing order). Click “view all judges” to see a list of all Judges assigned to the Restorative Justice Community Courts.
Judge Assignment Primary Location Phone
Cooper, Donna L.
Circuit Judge
Presiding
Juvenile Justice Division, Restorative Justice Community Courts
Cook County Juvenile Center
Room 8004
(312) 433-4757
Gray, Ieshia E.
Circuit Judge
Restorative Justice Community Courts Sixth Municipal District - Markham
Markham Courthouse
Courtroom 203
(708) 232-4169
Santiago, Beatriz
Circuit Judge
Restorative Justice Community Courts Third Municipal District - Rolling Meadows
Rolling Meadows Courthouse
(847) 818-2287
Spratt, Patricia S.
Circuit Judge
Restorative Justice Community Courts Fourth Municipal District - Maywood
Maywood Courthouse

Additional Locations

Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court
3647 W. George St.
Chicago, Illinois 60618
Englewood Restorative Justice Community Court
845 W. 69th St.
Chicago, Illinois 60621
North Lawndale Restorative Justice Community Court
3605 W. Fillmore St.
Chicago, Illinois 60624
Sauk Village Restorative Justice Community Court
2700 Kalvelage Dr.
Sauk Village, Illinois 60411