OUR WORK
Restore Justice trains and supports advocates, conducts research, nurtures partnerships, educates policymakers, and develops policy solutions.
We aim to counter the “tough on crime” policies of the past by replacing them with compassionate, smart, and safe policies for the future. Our programs seek to support, empower, and promote healing and hope for people who are incarcerated, their loved ones, and their communities.
Criminal Legal Reform
Advocacy
Restore Justice trains, organizes, and supports advocates who want to engage with legislators in Illinois.
Impact
Restore Justice advocates for children and young adults serving extreme sentences by engaging with policymakers and educating them on positive solutions.
Reports and Factsheets
Restore Justice publishes a series of reports and fact sheets to provide straightforward information on core issues, untangling the many aspects of Illinois’ complicated criminal legal system.
Community
Returning Citizens Network (RCN)
RCN is a support group for returning citizens who were incarcerated for lengthy adult sentences as youth. RCN comes together at monthly meetings for peer support, self-care, networking, skill-development, and help to locate the resources they need to lead positive and productive lives.
Newsletter to people who are incarcerated
Our newsletter is circulated to more than 1,500 people who are incarcerated three or four times per year. We provide updates on legislation and litigation, answers to questions, and other relevant news.
Future Leaders Apprenticeship Program (FLAP)
Our Future Leaders Apprenticeship Program (FLAP) provides returning citizens with a deep commitment to social justice the opportunity to turn their passions into new, tangible skills and leadership opportunities.
Loved Ones Self-Advocacy Trainings
Loved Ones Self-Advocacy Trainings empower the friends, family, and loved ones of people who are incarcerated, helping them build skills and navigate the criminal legal system to advocate for their incarcerated loved ones.
Communities and Relatives of Illinois’ Incarcerated Children (CRIIC)
CRIIC is a support group for people with incarcerated loved ones. Through monthly meetings, CRIIC keeps track of current legislative efforts and litigation, and provides support and encouragement.