Today, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) and the Institute for State & Local Governance at the City University of New York (CUNY ISLG) announcement.
They announced that a landmark investment of $16.5 million dollars in restorative justice (RJ), with $6.5 million going to community-based programming over the next 12 months. The initial funding will support restorative justice work at 16 organizations throughout New York City and reflects Mayor Adams’ commitment to the development of innovative community-based conflict resolution that promotes public safety and makes our neighborhoods safer and more livable.
The RJ grantees were selected through a solicitation process managed by CUNY ISLG, which will manage and support grantees selected for the program. The grants are broken into three broad categories—community-based programming, training and technical assistance, and fellowships. Grant winners include established organizations, such as the East Harlem-based alternative-to-incarceration program Getting Out And Staying Out (GOSO), along with newly established ones like Mazorca Colectiva, which draws on ancestral practices to provide grassroots community healing in Queens.
Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Director Deanna Logan said, “Conflict resolution is a key component to successful navigation of interpersonal conflicts in community. This investment in restorative justice will enhance the necessary work of providing youth and community with the conflict resolution tools that foster healing and community cohesion- which are necessary building blocks for public safety. New York City is America’s safest big city, and this investment is one of many that reflect Mayor Adam’s commitment to safe, livable communities where all New Yorkers thrive.”
CUNY ISLG Executive Director Michael Jacobson said, “Building upon New York City’s strong foundation of public safety, restorative justice represents another crucial pathway to driving better outcomes for all New Yorkers, particularly those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. New York City’s historic investment in new restorative justice projects in schools, court-based programs, substance use support, training programs, and more is a testament to the real potential this work can have in a wide range of contexts. On behalf of CUNY ISLG, we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the grantees and MOCJ to develop and launch programs that will positively impact communities across the five boroughs.”