Restorative Justice In The Community

Bronx Youth Court Members with Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark (center) 

 The Restorative Justice team at Bronx Community Solutions has been conducting restorative circles in  since May 2018, and the community is already yearning for more opportunities. When conducting outreach for community member volunteers, community members often express that restorative justice is long overdue in the Bronx. Potential volunteers express an eagerness to participate in the program, and frequently ask if it is possible for them to refer members of the community who have been arrested. Khalil, one of our regular community member volunteers who is also heavily involved in community organizing and violence prevention in the Bronx, expressed his gratitude for the BCJ restorative circle model. Jason, another regular community member volunteer, has informed us that volunteering for circles has become a therapeutic outlet for him and that he enjoys being able to make connections with our participants. 

 In addition to the circles we've conducted, Project Reset staff and Bronx Youth Court members have participated in several community events. In August of this year, our team was able to volunteer at the 43rd Precinct's National Night Out, which brings the community together to celebrate partnerships with law enforcement and to bring awareness on violence prevention. In the past three months our team has also participated in volunteering for block parties and community rallies. 

 As we move into a new year, our team is excited for the future and we have high hopes for what restorative justice will do in our communities. We look forward to expanding our mission so that we can serve the entire borough. We also look forward to the day where restorative practices becomes the first, not the last, option for individuals who find themselves in the criminal justice system. We believe that the communities that make up The Bronx are ready for this monumental change in dealing with crime and conflict. It is our hope that we can be able to pique that eagerness and make restorative justice a staple within throughout The Bronx. 

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