What are the CJCs in Vermont?
The Community Justice Centers throughout of Vermont gather together as Community Justice Center directors who share a belief in the importance and efficacy of restorative responses to conflict and crime as an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution, punishment, and retribution. The mission is to broaden and strengthen Vermont’s restorative practices through leadership, advocacy, education, and partnerships.
In 1998, the Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) initiated partnerships with municipalities to develop community justice centers (CJCs) to deliver restorative justice to and with communities. There are now 18 community justice centers in Vermont, and the gathering of directors serves as a place where CJCs can share ideas, promote best practices, and support communities as they create restorative, inclusive solutions to the problems of conflict and crime.
Community Justice Centers rely on community volunteers who donate hundreds of hours to help deliver programs that help repair the harm caused by crime and conflict in communities throughout Vermont. CJCs also play a key role in successful restorative reentry of people who have been incarcerated as they return to their communities, providing intensive support services for employment, housing, mentoring, social life, and reparations.
Vermont’s Community Justice Centers are always in need of volunteers who wish to contribute their time and talents to the well-being of their local communities. We invite you to contact a center near you.