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Frequently Asked Questions

What services are offered at a Community Justice Center?

Programs

Program availability varies by location. Some CJCs offer research-based programs that teach incarcerated people who are transitioning back into the community to:

  • Understand the effects of their crimes on victims
  • Make responsible choices and take responsibility for their behavior
  • Avoid relapses back to criminal lifestyles
  • Manage stress and anger
  • Improve parenting and partnering skills
Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance Abuse Treatment is a program offered at some CJCs, and it includes assessments, outpatient care, and relapse prevention, and monitoring for drug usage.

Employment Services

Employment Services include employment readiness assessments, resumé assistance, job hunter workshops and job referrals.

Additional services available offer apprenticeship programs, vocational training, life skill classes, and bonding and licensing assistance through partnerships with correctional and jail industries, labor unions, local and community government and the business community.

Mental Health Services

Qualified mental health professionals provide assistance and refer formerly incarcerated persons to community-based private and/or public mental health services.

Education

Continuing education is offered to formerly incarcerated persons who have not completed GED certification or are pursuing higher-level educational or vocational goals within the community.

Currently, program availability can vary depending on location. To see what programming each CJC offers, visit the Justice Center Facilities webpage.

What sanctions are offered at a Community Justice Center?

In response to violations of supervision conditions, sanctions can be imposed to get the formerly incarcerated person back on track as an alternative to confinement.

Sanctions allow formerly incarcerated person(s) to participate in programs that continue to hold them accountable and may include:

  • Daily monitoring and reporting, including urine analysis and polygraph tests.
  • Community service hours where formerly incarcerated person(s) assist community organizations, such as food banks and other non-profit organizations.
  • Work crew service, such as road litter cleanup, park maintenance, and debris removal.

Reporting to the CJC provides accountability and an intensive monitoring program that allows formerly incarcerated person(s) to reside in the community while providing strong support services and coordinating with community resources in one location.

How does the DOC's Reentry Initiative include Community Justice Centers?

DOC's Reentry Initiative provides programs that have proven effective in reducing recidivism. Reentry involves preparing inmates and formerly incarcerated person(s) to become contributing and law-abiding citizens.

CJCs are among the most effective places to deliver reentry programming and services to formerly incarcerated person(s) in reentry services begin in the prisons and continue after their release. Reentry programs are also available for inmates who are incarcerated in local jails and returned to the community or sentenced directly from the court to complete their sentence under community supervision. CJCs will continue to provide training and treatment after prison or jail.