The Arc - Center for Justice Innovation

Featured Update

Inside Literary Prize 2026 Shortlist Announced

Hundreds of incarcerated judges will select winner of the nation's first major book prize decided exclusively by people in prison.

The Center and Columbia University Offer Postdoctoral Fellowship

This postdoctoral fellowship will focus primarily on forensic assessment with an opportunity to provide psychotherapy to people returning from incarceration.

A man sits beside a desk, where a woman leans over filling out paperwork next to a desktop monitor.

As AI Shapes the Future, Courts Can Learn from the Past

AI is already shaping the justice system. How can we make sure these technologies are used to make that system more, not less, human?

Roy Austin Talks AI in the Justice System

Roy Austin, Jr., director of the Howard Law Artificial Intelligence Initiative, joined our New Thinking podcast to talk about the promise and perils of AI in the justice system.

Voices of Justice: Twyla Carter on Driving Systemic Change

A conversation with Twyla Carter, Attorney-in-Chief and CEO of The Legal Aid Society.

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

486 Results

Restorative Justice: Myth versus Reality

Four myths about restorative justice and what they get wrong.

Seven people from our restorative justice team sit in a circle around a tapestry with various objects and trinkets.

How Restorative Justice Circles Help People Heal

Connection and understanding are basic human needs. In the wake of harm and conflict, restorative justice circles bring those needs back into focus.

Three women sit in conversation in front of colorful, multi-image display board between two large potted plants.

Voices of Justice: Why Restorative Justice?

A conversation with Kellsie Sayers, Erica Wright, and Hillary Packer on the transformative power of restorative justice.

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 shirt and tie with sunglasses stands with microphone in front of another man wearing a

The New Initiative Mobilizing Men Against Gender-Based Violence

The Men Rising Initiative engages men leading gun violence prevention work in the effort to put a stop to violence against women.

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.

Winner of the 2025 Inside Literary Prize is Chain-Gang All-Stars by by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah.

2025 Inside Literary Prize Awarded to Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

The second annual Prize, judged by 300 incarcerated readers across 15 prisons, was awarded at a ceremony at The New York Public Library.

“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.

A woman sits in beige attire with a book on her lap discussing in a circle with other women and a man with a T-shirt that reads

Inside a Judging Session for the Book Award Led by Incarcerated People

In New Jersey's Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, a group of sixteen women gathered to discuss four shortlisted books for the Inside Literary Prize—the first book award in the US judged exclusively by incarcerated readers.

Join Us for 2025 Upcoming Summer Events!

We're highlighting upcoming events from our programs and partners across New York!

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.