Announcement, Press Release |
The Circuit Court of Cook County Restorative Justice Community Court program has been recognized with a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
The Restorative Justice Community Court was established by Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans in 2017. Since that time, the courts have assisted more than 600 young adults, ages 18 -26, charged with non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes, reintegrate into their communities.
These four courts resolve conflict through restorative conferences and peace circles including the participants, victims, family members and others affected by the crime.
By focusing on healing, reconciliation and community involvement the court aims to reduce recidivism and foster genuine rehabilitation.
"It is truly an honor for our Restorative Justice Community Court to be recognized at the national level for the work we do to help these young people change their course and redirect their lives. We knew from its inception that the RJCC model would be innovative with the attention provided to these young people, who are given a second chance in life,” said Chief Judge Evans. “This new lease on life comes to them after they have been held accountable in the restorative justice process. I extend my thanks to all who participated in the restorative justice process, including our fellow stakeholders, along with each judge, coordinator, circle keeper and caseworker.”
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories including children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the awards celebrate ground-breaking programing in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.
“The Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening in county governments across the nation,” said NACo President James Gore. “This year’s winners highlight the dedication and creativity of county leaders and our teams to building thriving communities and providing the best possible services to our residents.”
This is the second consecutive year that the Circuit Court of Cook County has received NACo’s Achievement Award. In 2024, the Circuit Court received joint recognition with the Cook County Health for the Promoting Engagement to Enhance Recovery (PEER) Program -an innovative evidence-based model that placed a peer recovery coach in two of the Court’s Problem-Solving Courts to provide optional recovery support services as a compliment to the vast array of services offered by the drug court teams.
More information about NACo's Achievement Awards
Media Contact: ocj.press@cookcountyil.gov
(312) 603-5414
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The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org