The Essex Community Justice Center (CJC) provides restorative justice approaches to crime and conflict in the greater Essex community. Most services are provided by citizens who work together to resolve conflict, prevent crime, and address crime locally.
The Essex CJC has served the community since 2003 with restorative practices that focus on repayment and repairing harm to individuals and communities impacted by a crime. We believe that relationships can be rebuilt and the community can be made stronger when it has a role in addressing crimes that affect the safety and well-being of its residents.
The Essex CJC recruits, trains, and supports volunteers for all of our programs.
Programs and Services
Restorative Victim Services
Victims are invited to participate in all restorative justice programs to the extent that they feel comfortable.
Restorative Justice Programs
Restorative justice programs allow for direct community involvement in the resolution of criminal offenses through participation in Restorative Justice Panels, restorative conferences and/or restorative circles. People directly affected by a crime have an opportunity to participate in a justice process where they can articulate their needs, ask questions, seek restorative actions and receive support from their community. Those responsible for a crime can learn about the harm, make amends, and build a positive connection with their community.
Restorative Reentry Programs
These programs offer people returning to the community from prison the support and resources they need to make their transition go more smoothly. By providing guidance, accountability and resource navigation, people returning learn to integrate into the community in a more positive and meaningful way, which reduces recidivism and enhances community safety.
Community Conflict Assistance
This program facilitates dialogue related to neighborhood and community issues. Professional mediation services help community members talk about and find solutions to their conflicts, which may involve such issues as noise, pets, boundaries, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Additional Offerings
Community Dialogue and Crime Prevention
Through its partnerships with other community organizations, the Essex CJC develops education programs and facilitates community dialogue focused on crime prevention and safety issues of concern to Essex residents.