COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
Jersey City Community Solutions (JCCS) is dedicated to administering justice, using restorative solutions, in a manner that steers low-level, non-violent offenders away from further criminal activity. Using sentences that combine rehabilitative social services with community reparation, the court ultimately seeks to promote safety, trust, and growth within the community it serves.
Developed in 2016 with grant funding from the US Department of Justice, JCCS is the result of a collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, as well the Center for Court Innovation. In 2017, JCCS became one of two community court programs in the state, and many nationwide, using evidence-based practices to promote restorative justice. JCCS is now a city-funded program managed by and operated within the Jersey City Municipal Court, located at 365 Summit Avenue, Jersey City NJ.
Mission and Goal
We are dedicated to creating restorative solutions for low- level, non-violent offenders that promote growth and strength in the community. JCCS seeks to administer justice in a manner that steers such offenders away from further criminal activity. Using sentences that combine rehabilitative social services with community reparation, the court ultimately seeks to promote safety, trust, and growth within the community it serves.
Guiding Principles of Community Courts
The first community court in the country was the Midtown Community Court, launched in 1993 in New York City. Several dozen community courts, inspired by the Midtown model, are in operation or planning around the country. The community court model seeks to respond to crime through a combined strategy of holding community court participants accountable and offering to help defendants with a range of social needs, including drug treatment under judicial supervision.
The Center for Justice Innovation’s six guiding principles of community courts include:
- Co-Create Justice
- Advance Equity
- Put People First
- Prioritize Community-Based Solutions
- Promote Accountability
- Model Innovations
Community Engagement
JCCS staff participates in neighborhood/block association meetings, stakeholder meetings, and advisory committees across the city and county to gather ongoing feedback about quality of life issues affecting citizens of Jersey City. The input from these meetings allow JCCS staff to continually adjust the program to address the needs of the community and participants.
As part of the planning process to create JCCS, a community needs assessment was conducted. A total of 26 meetings were held with stakeholders and community groups to solicit input to shape a community court program that would be responsive to community needs.
Community Partners
The list of partners is not exhaustive and JCCS is still seeking partnerships with organizations in an effort to serve the residents of our community. Interested organizations can email JCCS at [email protected] or call 201-209-6734.