>> To reduce the number of formerly incarcerated citizens returning to prison.

Some communities are turning to restorative justice.

It's a practice that promotes accountability and healing for those affected by the prison system.

In partnership with students from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

We explore why advocates say restored of justice is key in preventing further offenses.

Here's Taylor Hancock.

>> A new resort of that will open in early 2025.

And Lawndale a community where 12% of all Illinois prisoners are from it.

A nice murals and warm welcoming space restorative justice in size is repairing harm after a crime rather than imposing severe punitive measures.

>> What better way to pay your debt to society than to actually he'll the harm that you caused to the community and the relationships they have in your own community.

>> Clifton Ellis is the founder of Lawndale Christian Legal Center.

Lcl See where youth to get in trouble with the law can get a lawyer and social services for free.

No says he hopes to counter the idea that restoring justice is soft on crime.

>> You know, this idea that it's like you slap on the wrist and you're out.

It's quite the opposite.

Actually, you is a much more meaningful human connection and human connection doesn't happen.

You know.

>> Lcl sees Oh, you have offer housing structured social programs and dining options.

That's the key support systems prevent every incarceration in 2022.

LCL sees holistic team served 380 people.

69% of clients did not re offend well, working with the group.

Now says the impact of restorative justice cannot be reduced to just one outcome.

Sure, justice is much more nuanced in gray.

>> And we say, you know, we're gonna take the situation and we're going to try to help everyone become whole and heal the harm that was caused by that crime and restore the situation.

>> Englewood, the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.

Pbr is dedicated to creating spaces for survivors and offenders.

Pba Mars prevention programs such as this cooking class are designed to help build self esteem and teach fundamental life skills to young people in the area.

At the ages of 19.

And 21 Curtis Dickson was arrested.

>> But today he is goal working to prevent other young people from following a similar being here and working with the, you know.

>> men women lie.

>> I rely my passion is really what I want to do.

>> After growing up in the back of the yards neighborhood Dixon found PBM are through a basketball tournament over the past 6 years.

He says the organization has kept him away from a life of crime by addressing trauma and providing a support system.

>> It was just so special.

We know we can't go in the kitchen and makes a fool.

If we wanted to to sit out play board games would have a well.

I just sit down and talk and somebody goal isn't.

So that's really what campus com.

>> Now he's 22 and mentor at the organization.

>> I was bump on my head along the way.

You're locked up stuff like that.

But president would have gave up on and I started to change over He circles offer former offenders the opportunity to share openly about themselves.

>> Both the good and the bad some circle groups that PBM are also bring together mothers who have lost their sons to gun violence or prison.

Each circle uses talking sticks, a symbolic agreement to listen and show respect.

piece circles were also part of Lisa Daniels.

Healing Journey.

Daniels lost her.

25 year-old son Daron to gun violence over a decade ago.

From the time we moved here in 1997.

This is the where >> Darren Cain who found football.

He found a love for football.

>> During the trial of her son's killer, Michael Reed.

Daniels pleaded for leniency.

Michael Reed ultimately served only 7 years of a 15 year sentence.

>> When Michael was leaving the courtroom.

Shaq old.

>> And he looked at me as he was turning away to leave the room and he thank you.

and I said, welcome.

>> Daniels founded the daring be Easterling Center for restorative practices to help those impacted by violent crime and mass incarceration.

I didn't want to be committed to grief.

I wanted to be committed to.

>> Healing in living.

>> The center offers tailored support for those who served time in prison.

And for those who have lost loved ones to violence or incarceration.

>> I still believe that there's room to bring people who have caused harm and people who been harmed give each and each and the other opportunity to be heard.

to promote healing.

>> Danielle says she hopes to one day connect with 3.

He could not be reached for an interview.

No other reason for me.

>> Except to do say just to check in and see if he's OK. >> For Wt Tw and Northwestern's Medill School of journalism, I'm Taylor Hancock.