Staten Island Justice Center

Project Reset

Project Reset is a pre-arraignment diversion program that creates proportionate and effective responses to low-level offending. Participants have the opportunity to avoid a criminal record by completing community-based programming. On Staten Island, the program is provided by the Staten Island Justice Center in partnership with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office. Programming options include interactive groups grounded in procedural justice and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as individual sessions focused on connecting individuals with appropriate community-based services. These sessions give participants space to reflect on their experience and how to avoid further involvement with the criminal justice system.

Pretrial Supervised Release

With support from the City of New York, the Staten Island Justice Center operates a supervised release program for people charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses that reduces the reliance on pretrial detention while enhancing the fairness of the justice system. In addition to supervision and case management, the program provides referrals to voluntary community-based or on-site services.

Alternatives to Incarceration

The Staten Island Justice Center offers a number of short- and long-term social service options as an alternative to jail and prison. We conduct comprehensive clinical assessments to gauge each individual’s unique needs and connect them to case management services. We also offer specialized programming, like community service, the Driver Accountability Program, and the Theft Accountability Program. Participants may receive referrals to on-site and community-based services, including psycho-educational programming, job training, counseling, and GED classes. We aim to better address the underlying causes that bring people into the criminal justice system, reducing the likelihood of future involvement and strengthening community safety.

Transformative Reentry Initiatives

This initiative reduces recidivism, promotes public safety, and limits the harms of justice involvement by providing supportive services in partnership with individuals, families, and communities facing the challenges of reintegration after incarceration. The program engages system-involved adults in supportive services, including peer mentorship, employment and education opportunities, workforce development, restorative justice, holistic health and wellness, family engagement and support, and other community-based resources.

Youth Impact

Youth Impact engages young people across New York City and Newark to become transformative leaders in their communities and beyond. Members work in paid internships to learn leadership skills, lead peer diversion programs to reduce youth involvement with the criminal legal system, and develop and pilot projects to strengthen their communities. The program specifically aims to hire youth who have been directly affected by the justice system, rooted in the belief that those most impacted are most able to lead, develop meaningful solutions, and engage their peers.

Project READY

Project READY is an alternative-to-detention program that provides case management, after-school programming, and rigorous compliance monitoring for young people with delinquency cases in Family Court. Staff use a wide range of engagement strategies for participants and family members to promote compliance. Youth who successfully complete Project READY are more likely to avoid placement and receive community-based dispositions than those who are detained.

The Spot

Our Staten Island Justice Center is home to one of New York City’s Family Enrichment Centers—resident-led spaces where parents and children can find support, community, and free services. Dubbed “The Spot” by residents, the Family Enrichment Center hosts holiday and birthday celebrations, laundry services, and a community closet where up to 100 residents each week can find clean clothing, shoes, food, household goods, and more. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, we distributed free meals and gifts to hundreds of families and children at the Spot.

AIM

AIM (Advocate, Intervene, and Mentor) is an alternative-to-placement program that provides one-on-one mentoring for young people between the ages of 13 and 18. AIM is designed to help participants address age-specific needs, develop positive social bonds, and engage with their community in a meaningful way. Mentees are paired with a Youth Engagement Specialist or mentor who supports their growth and development throughout the duration of the program. AIM is a partnership with the New York City Department of Probation to reduce crime and recidivism, as well as promote lifelong gains for court-involved youth.

Works Plus

In collaboration with the New York City Council and the Department of Probation, Works Plus engages Staten Island youth and young adults ages 16 to 30 who are affected by gun violence in pro-social activities that focus on educational advancement, life skills, and job readiness. Over two dozen young people engage with Works Plus each year.

Youth Wellness Initiative

Our Youth Wellness Initiative provides social-emotional support and learning opportunities to youth ages 13 to 18 who are court-involved or at risk of court involvement. Services are provided by trained mental health professionals and youth engagement specialists. Youth Wellness participants get access to short-term individual counseling as well as social and emotional learning workshops.