Announcement, Press Release |
Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, along with other judges and staff at the Criminal Courthouse, hosted the United Kingdom’s Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC on Tuesday to share details regarding the Court’s innovative Problem-Solving Courts and Restorative Justice programs.
Both of these court programs help to divert those convicted of non-violent felonies into programs that give participants a second chance and help them to work on the problems that led them into the criminal justice system.
“I was proud to have the opportunity to share the incredible work that our judges and staff do every day here in Cook County, most especially the powerful impact of our restorative justice and problem-solving courts,” said Chief Judge Evans. “I look forward to continuing this dialogue with our friends in Great Britain as they continue to examine more equitable approaches to justice.”
Minister Sackman serves as a member of UK’s parliament representing Finchley and Golders Green. This was her first visit to Chicago since her appointment as Minister for Courts and Legal Services in December 2024.
Problem-Solving Courts
Problem-Solving Courts combine intensive judicial supervision, rigorously monitored rehabilitation services and accountability and a team approach to help prevent adults with substance use and/or mental health disorders from becoming repeat offenders. There are 20 problem-solving courts in Cook County, including Veterans Treatment, Mental Health and Drug Treatment courts.
Kelly Gallivan-Ilarraza, Director of the Problem-Solving Courts, invited Minister Sackman and her team to observe the Woman’s Mental Health Court call at the Criminal Courthouse at 2650 S. California Ave. for the unique experience, as it is the only mental health court exclusive to women in the state.
During Tuesday’s call, Judge Domenica A. Stephenson, who has presided over the court for eight years, had in-depth conversations with each of the women before her. One woman was admonished, politely but firmly, for missing appointments, and reminded of the importance of following the program rules. One was praised for her ongoing participation in an intensive treatment program. Another was advised to find a sponsor for her alcohol abuse to help her establish a support network who will keep her on track. Judge Stephenson listened as participants relayed the challenges they encountered since the last court date, offering advice while encouraging them to use the tools and strategies they learn in treatment.
“You can have a better life,” Judge Stephenson told one of the women before her. “We believe in you. We know you can do it.”
One of the participants told Judge Stephenson that she was staying sober in part by “staying away from the negativity. I’m not talking to certain people anymore.”
Judge Stephenson told the British minister and her staff that, “It’s important to recognize that there are many women in the criminal justice system who have a mental health diagnosis and/or a substance use disorder. This population of women is best suited for a problem-solving court, or the Women’s Mental Health Court, in particular. Many of these women also have trauma issues which is why it is important to separate the Women’s Mental Health Court from the other courts.”
The team approach, with multi-disciplines, addresses the women’s many obstacles, including medication compliance, consistent substance use treatment, stable housing, and employment and equips them with the tools that they need to be successful and become productive members of society.”
Minister Sackman said she was “very impressed” by what she observed at the Criminal Courthouse on Tuesday.
“I’ve come here to learn lessons about the role intensive supervision can play in the criminal justice system,” Sackman said. “What I’ve observed here today is that this innovative approach can make a real difference in reducing re-offending and turning around the lives of vulnerable women. This is really interesting to us.”
Restorative Justice Community Courts
Minister Sackman also heard a presentation from Chief Judge Evans and court staff about the county’s four Restorative Justice Community Courts. Restorative Justice Community Courts are aimed at young adults, aged 18-26, charged with non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes. These courts resolve conflict through restorative conferences and peace circles involving participants, victims, family members, friends, others affected by the crime and the community.
More than 500 people have participated in Restorative Justice Community Courts since the first one opened in the North Lawndale neighborhood in 2017. Participants have a low recidivism rate of 13% within one year of enrollment, compared to 65% of similarly situated young people whose cases are adjudicated in traditional court proceedings, according to an internal court study.
"Restorative Justice Community Courts represent a meaningful shift in the justice system, focusing on healing, accountability and community involvement rather than punishment,” said Dr. Margaret Kulujian, court administrator for the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court. “By emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment, Restorative Justice Community Courts reduce recidivism, promote healing and foster a stronger sense of shared responsibility within the community.”
Kulujian noted that the courts solve huge problems by helping participants to become functioning members of society. “We don’t want to create revolving doors,” she said. “We want this to be one incident, one mistake. We want them to figure out what to do with their lives and never come back to the criminal justice system.” The courts help young people make amends for their mistakes, finish their educations, and find jobs.
Minister Sackman and her team also met with Criminal Division Presiding Judge Erica L. Reddick, who stressed the importance of diversion courts as a way to put non-violent offenders on a road to a better life.
“I have seen how effective these programs can be in helping participants straighten out their lives and get on a path to success,” said Judge Reddick.