‘Justice Hub’ Will Help Break Cycle Of Violence For Essex County Youth

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — If there’s anything the “cycle of violence” has taught New Jersey, it’s that a new approach is needed when it comes to juvenile justice, some experts say.

On Monday, officials announced the launch of the “first-ever Restorative and Transformative Justice Hub Pilot Program in New Jersey,” which will roll out in Essex County (see local details below).

The two-year state pilot program – which was approved in 2021 – earmarked $8.4 million to create branches in four cities: Newark, Paterson, Trenton and Camden.

The goal is simple: give at-risk youth the skills to understand the consequences of their actions – and get on a pathway to a better future.

Here’s how it will work, New Jersey officials previously said:

“Restorative justice hubs will be physical spaces within the community where youth and families can heal, reconnect, and build healthy relationships, and where local conflicts can be resolved through dialogue instead of punitive measures. An array of social support services – including employment assistance and mentoring – will be available in addition to mental health services, substance abuse treatment and recovery, education and housing support, and financial literacy and life skills. The restorative justice hubs will serve both at-risk and court-involved youth in the community and those discharged from a juvenile justice facility.”

The pilot program is a legacy gift from late Essex County native Lt. Gov. Shelia Oliver, who signed the law creating it when she was serving as acting governor in 2021. Primary sponsors of the legislation include Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, who represents Newark in the 29th District.

ESSEX COUNTY

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin joined local officials at a news conference on Monday to celebrate the debut of the program in Essex County.

“We have seen how impactful the juvenile justice system can be when we take a different approach to addressing youth justice,” Platkin said. “These new spaces will provide us with an opportunity to intervene and break the cycle of violence affecting our youth.”

In Essex County, the program will be held at the Essex County West Side Park Community Center on 17th Street in Newark.

Here’s what it will look like, officials said:

“Juveniles ages 13 to 26 who commit a crime and meet eligibility requirements can be assigned to the program by a judge. Law enforcement officers who arrest a juvenile for a non-violent crime also have the discretion to enroll the juvenile in the program. In addition, the [county] prosecutor’s office may recommend a juvenile to attend the program instead of seeking sentencing or jail time. School districts may refer students who have behavioral issues to the program instead of suspending them from school.”

Officials continued:

“The pilot program will create a one-stop center approach to helping its juvenile clients. Wrap-around services such as nutrition assistance, mentorships, transportation, employment and training, mental health assessments, like skills, financial literacy training and anger management are some of the services to which clients will have access. In addition, juveniles will participate in an exercise called a ‘Peace Circle’ in which their actions will be discussed, and the victims of their actions will have an opportunity to share how their lives have been adversely affected.”

Hopefully, this new approach will help narrow down the root cause of why juvenile offenders are committing crimes – and get them the support they need to turn things around, advocates say.

The local program is being implemented through the Essex County Youth Services Commission, which received a grant from the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission.

Essex County recently awarded a publicly bid contract to Newark-based nonprofit United Community Corporation to help roll out its pilot. The nonprofit’s staff underwent training to be prepare them to work with young clients.

Two Newark City Council members applauded the program and said it would be good for the Brick City.

“The Restorative and Transformative Justice Hub is an incredible resource for at-risk youth and families within the City of Newark,” Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. said.

“The hub brings together a number of critical resources and partners that promote violence prevention and peaceful resolution to disputes and conflicts,” Ramos added.

Councilman Dupre Kelly said any initiative that can potentially save a youth’s life is important.

“This hub is our opportunity to restore our children’s faith and trust in us,” Kelly said.

Additional support for the local rollout came from:

NJ Senate Majority Leader and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz – “This is a proactive approach that will prevent a child from being handcuffed and led to a lifetime of overcoming obstacles. It’s a chance to address the real problems affecting our youth.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. – “This new pilot program offers a new approach to addressing juvenile justice. This restorative and transformative approach will help us find out the reasons why young people commit a crime and provide these young offenders with the tools to overcome those obstacles. This is a brand-new opportunity to address the real issues affecting their lives and hopefully keep them from spending time in our Juvenile Detention Center.”

Jennifer LaBaron, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission – “New Jersey has shown that successful system change in youth justice is possible. The natural next step is to transform the culture and provide safe spaces to help the community and youth heal.”

Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stephens – “There is more promise in preventing youth from getting involved in the juvenile justice system. We have to start as early as possible and show young people there is another path to follow and do whatever we can to keep them from going to jail.”

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura – “This program is helpful for us on the frontlines because it will prevent young people from going down the wrong path.”

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