Community Restorative Justice Center

DOC - Reparative and Offender Reentry accounts for 35% of total program expense. The Reparative Program at the Community Restorative Justice Center (CRJC) works with people referred to attend a reparative process that addresses taking responsibility for their crime(s), making amends to victims and affected parties, making amends to the community, and working on a plan to avoid future. Roughly 35 volunteers make up restorative panels to work with offenders on these goals. A program coordinator and a victim liaison make up the staff that run this program. The Offender Reentry Program at the CRJC coordinates "Cirlcles of Support and Accountability" (CoSA). The CoSA participants are supervisees reentering the community after incarceration. They meet once a week for a year with their CoSA as a means of better reintegrating into the community. Roughly 35 volunteers give time to this program as well. A Reentry Coordinator runs this program. The Coordinator also provides navigation services for other people under supervision that helps with needed services in the community.

Transitional Housing accounts for 30% of total program expense. The State recognizes the need to develop community partnerships for individuals leaving the correctional facilities to successfully transition back to the community. This program is meant to support the provision of transitional housing, rental assistance, housing search and retention, and other supportive services for individuals released to the community from correctional facilities. Two full-time staff manage four houses/apartments in two towns, St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville. There are 11 available beds total, eight for men and three for women.

Court Diversion accounts for 24% of total program expense. Court Diversion is a restorative alternative to the court process. The state's attorney may offer Diversion to adults or youth who are charged with committing a crime (or youth charged with being delinquent). After successful completion of the program, the original charge is dismissed. Also under Diversion is the civil and criminal DLS (Drivingwith License Suspended) Program. This program helps people regain their Vermont driver's license while they off their fines and fees. Participants work with Diversion staff to develop a contract and payment plan. After the Vermont Judicial Bureau approves the contract - and other Department of Motor Vehicles requirements are met, the person's driver's license is reinstated. Also under Diversion is the Youth Substance Safety Awareness Program YSASP). This Program holds young people accountable for breaking underage drinking laws, educates them about the consequences and risks of alcohol, and identifies youth with potential substance abuse problems so they may receive treatment. The program is a voluntary alternative to a $300 fine and 90-day driver's license suspension. Pre-Trial services is a program that works with Responsible Parties to assist them through the court process offering brief mental health and substance misuse screenings. Tamarack, a more personalized case management program, is offered to responsible parties with a longer criminal record, or who have experienced substance misuse or continued mental health struggles.

Vermont Dept. of Health Language Access Grant makes up 5% ($34599) of the program activity. This is a grant creates language access opportunities in Community Justice Centers in Vermont. 2% ($13840) is the Opioid Remediation Work funded through Caledonia County opioid remediation funds. This money goes toward training, education and transportation needs related to local opioid addiction. 2.1% ($14766) of program activity is the Legal Program (Free Legal Clinic and Information and referral) partially funded by the Vermont Bar Association. 1.9% ($12914) of program service goes to other smaller programs like the Parking Ticket Appeal Board and the community fridge that supplies free food to people who are homeless or unable to afford food.