The Arc - Center for Justice Innovation

Featured Update

A woman in a Queens Community Justice Center T-shirt lifts a child holding a basketball up on her shoulders towards a hoop.

Why Supporting Families Is Crucial to Strong Communities

For many families, contact with the legal system comes after years of struggling to meet basic needs. When we invest in solutions that respond to those needs both inside and outside of the courts, we pave the way for safer, stronger communities.

New Leadership for Rikers: What’s Ahead?

Closing Rikers Island is the only way to ensure dignity and safety for all New Yorkers.

A woman sits smiling at the front of a row of people in a busy courtroom, holding a piece of paper that reads

Beyond Mass Incarceration: 3 Problems and 3 Solutions

Three core problems that stem from excessive incarceration—and practical responses to build a better justice system.

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Less Jail, More Safety?

Four findings from our new research on the impact of jail reduction reforms on public safety.

Emily Galvin Almanza speaks into a microphone in a recording studio.

Emily Galvin Almanza on Moving Past Punishment

On our New Thinking podcast, Emily Galvin Almanza talks about the urgent task of transforming the justice system.

All Updates

Access to Justice

Building Justice in the Court System

Housing Justice

Investing in Communities

People-Centered Responses

Reducing Harm and Violence

Women, Girls, and Gender Justice

104 Results

Investing in Communities

Clear All

10 Wins for Safety and Justice in 2025

Take a look at some exciting new initiatives, milestones, and highlights from our teams across the Center this year.

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How Community Ambassadors Help Their Neighbors Secure Stable Housing

Amid a housing crisis that has left many feeling helpless, the Community Ambassadors program in Syracuse restores communication and trust.

To Achieve Public Safety, Invest in Strong Communities

Strong communities are safe communities. What would change if all of our policies—inside and outside of the legal system—reflected that basic truth?

Alex Genty-Waksberg speaking in restorative justice circle

What Do Restorative Responses to Domestic Violence Look Like?

A practitioner shares his experience with Healing Connections, a restorative accountability group for people who have caused harm in their relationships.

A group of people - including Red Hook Community Justice Center staff, children, and police officers - pose for a group photo with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander holding a commendation certificate.

Standing Up for Safety from Newark to Queens

For the 2025 National Night Out, our teams were on the ground delivering resources, connection, and support to their communities.

Close-up shot of Thaddeus Canty with blue button-down shirt and sunglasses standing at entrance to Red Hook Community Justice Center

Voices of Justice: Thaddeus Canty on Leading the Red Hook Community Justice Center

A conversation with Thaddeus Canty, Project Director of the Red Hook Community Justice Center.

Man in blue Project Reset T-shirt speaks while pointing to a mural featuring three pink silhouetted figures in abstract style.

A Criminal Record Can Follow People for Life. There’s a Better Path.

Reforms like Project Reset show how we can respond to low-level offenses in ways that strengthen community and put people on track for a brighter future.

“It’s About Genuine Love”: How Peer Mentorship Prevents Gun Violence

Peers who’ve been down a similar road can show young people that they don’t have to change who they are to reimagine their futures.

Two dogs jump over a turf mound at the Castle Hill Houses' new dog park in the Bronx.

Put Your Paws Together! Castle Hill Community Celebrates New Dog Park

Residents of the Castle Hill Houses in the Bronx took the lead on the first-ever dog park on a NYC public housing campus.

Innovating from the Ground Up

Our newly launched Innovation Fund invites our staff working directly with the communities we serve to pitch new ideas for creative ways to meet the needs they see every day.

Women and men dressed in purple clapping in an anti-domestic violence rally hosted by the RISE Project

Why Housing Justice Is Crucial to Ending Domestic Violence

To address intimate partner violence, we need to invest in stable, affordable housing.

one man in a gray shirt speaks in front of a room of seated people

How Family Courts Can Help Build Community Justice

By bringing everyone to the table, family courts can break cycles of trauma and meet families’ needs.