Contact Info

COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS

JC Community Solutions LogoJersey 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.

NEW Court Outreach Team
Outreach Team

The Community Solutions Court Outreach Team seeks to expand access to court services by partnering with local non-profit organizations for outreach events.  Individuals who attend these events may receive assistance finding information concerning outstanding court cases and fines. Referrals to a variety of support services are also available, as well as access to a peer support specialist.  For information on specific dates and locations, please check our 2024 Outreach Calendar



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.

PDF flyer Veterans-Resource-Day-monthly

PARTNERSHIPS:
Community Service

Jersey City Department of Public Works
The Sharing Place
St John’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Garden State Episcopal CDC
Jersey City Housing Authority
Triangle Park - Deliverance Children's Ministry
Jersey City HHS - Division of Senior Affairs

Community Resources
City of Jersey City, Health and Human Services
City of Jersey City, Office of Veterans Affairs
City of Jersey City, Division of Immigrant Affairs
Jersey City Free Public Library
Women Rising
C-Line Community Outreach Services
Khaleidoscope Health Care, Inc.
Covenant House
Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services
Collaborative Support Programs of NJ
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corp.
The Waterfront Project
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services
Urban League of Hudson County
Hudson Pride Connection Center
Metropolitan Family Health Network, Inc.
The Royal Men Foundation