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About Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court

Location:

3636 Wolfram Street, Chicago, IL 60618, US

Mission Statement

Restorative Justice Community Courts 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.

Description

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 service, write a letter of reflect to a loved one, undergo substance abuse treatment, and other tasks. 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.

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.

For additional information, please contact Larry Barrett (Circle Keeper - Office of the Chief Judge), larry.barrett@cookcountyil.gov