Restorative Justice Conference brings experts to Governors State Sept. 29 to Oct. 3

While most graduation ceremonies mark the end of an academic career, 25 young offenders recently celebrated the end of a journey that saved them from doing prison time and/or having criminal charges on their records.

Joi Patterson, Chief Of Institutional Engagement and Excellence at Governors State University (GovState), attended the ceremony in Sauk Village and was inspired by the restorative justice she saw.
"Restorative justice is based on relationships to support and restore the lives of the victims and their community where the crimes occurred, while holding the offender accountable,'' said Patterson who is helping to coordinate GovState's first-ever international conference Sept. 29-Oct. 3 at locations in Chicago and at GovState. Registration is available here.

“Restorative Justice and the Judiciary” will attract more than 100 people to an event that focuses on how this system of restore-and-repair results in long-term benefits for offenders and victims in the criminal justice system, as well as in educational settings, environmental justice and health care.
Many of the keynote speakers are internationally recognized leaders and scholars in the field. The conference participants will explore topics, including justice and the judicial systems, and new pathways to address harm, promote healing and cultivate resilience within and across communities.

“The goal is to end the harmful cycle of revenge and recidivism,'' Patterson said.
Among many conference options, attendees can visit the site of the graduation ceremony Patterson attended. The Sauk Village Restorative Justice Community Court is operated by the County of Cook, where judges can choose to assign young offenders to restorative justice programs to rebuild their relationships and help them change course while avoiding prison time. Offenders are placed on probation during the restorative justice sentencing, she explained.

Conference attendees will represent an international mix of practitioners, researchers, educators, policymakers, health professionals, students and others to exchange knowledge, research and approaches to restorative justice practices. Rush University in Chicago is partnering with GovState to host the conference. Some sessions will be held virtually.

Many of the keynote speakers are internationally recognized leaders and scholars in the field. The conference participants will explore topics around the theme, including justice and the judicial systems, and new pathways to address harm, promote healing and cultivate resilience within and across communities. Some sessions will be held virtually.

Chief Justice Emeritus Robert Yazzie of the Navajo Nation will lead a healing circle in the tradition of Navajo peace making. Participants can receive a micro-credential badge for participating.
The conference is the brainchild of GovState's Dr. Joao Salm, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, a recognized expert and instructor in GovState’s Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice. Students investigate a range of topics in the classroom and in the field, including restorative justice in a variety of contexts, including law and education. To learn more about the certificate program, click here.

Patterson has gained experience in restorative justice from her own background in environmental science. She explained that restorative justice was implemented after a major BP oil spill and involved the victims of the incident, the company, and remedies to prevent future accidents.
Organizers envision the conference becoming an annual event and anticipate it will be held outside of the United States next year.
For questions or additional information, contact conference organizers at IRJ@govst.edu.