8
COMMUNITY
September 5, 2017 | The Valley Catholic
From Criminal Justice to Restorative Justice
Public transportation was not an
option for Corey. He would be due to
appear in court, but with mental ill-
ness and cognitive delays, even taking
the local Light Rail was a challenge.
With the help of the Restorative Justice
Center, Corey received the supportive
services needed to foster his indepen-
dence and find his way.
Formerly known as the Criminal
Justice Center at Catholic Charities, the
new Restorative Justice Center helps
adults with a criminal background
who face mental health and substance
abuse problems. The new Center takes
a more holistic approach to healing,
recognizing that program participants
often turn to crime, drugs or alcohol as
a result of past challenges or trauma.
Through access to various social sup-
ports, the program stabilizes lives for
recovery and successful reintegration
into the community.
The center serves about 1,600 in-
mates per year through intensive
wraparound services and advocacy,
including transportation to medical ap-
pointments or courts, as well as access
to social workers or therapy. The goal
is to reduce recidivism and assure that
“The Restorative Justice
Center provides more services
depending on where clients are
at, bringing the employment
piece, the academic piece,
and a place where they feel
they are not criminals.”
Th