(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It's the first independent look at an experimental court system in Cook County, and the conclusion is this: The experiment is on the right track but needs more involvement from the community.
The so-called restorative justice experiment started in 2017. It was designed to give young people a chance to take accountability for a non-violent offense and keep a clean record.
"They call themselves both the 'Restorative Justice' and a 'Community Court.' Unfortunately, our research found that they fall short in both of those things,” says Naomi Johnson, director of research and program management at Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts.
The organization evaluated Cook County's experimental program.
"We observed very minimal community involvement,” Johnson said.
For one thing, Johnson said, it's hard for members of the community to find out when the three courts -- on the Northwest, South and West sides -- are meeting.
"To be honest, even as a researcher I had a little bit of trouble finding out when court was held,” she said.
More than 500 people, aged 18 to 26, have come through the experimental court system.
The advocacy group said it’s found "numerous examples of participants whose lives moved in a positive direction" afterward. But Johnson said there are some issues -- like, the blurring of boundaries.
"For example, in our report one judge says, 'Oh, you know you can tell me anything,’” she explained. "I would not advise many young people going through the criminal legal system to tell a judge anything, right?"
The chief judge's office said it’s pleased about the positive effects noted by the report, including the low recidivism rate of young people, and said court officials are open to collaborating.
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