Engaging Communities

"How can we best serve those who have served us and are coming through our court system?" That question was at the center of the two-day Veterans Treatment Court Summit our Recovery and Reform team hosted at the National Veterans Resource Center in Syracuse, New York. The summit brought together more than 100 practitioners from across the country—including judges, attorneys, mentors, and more—to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other's experiences bringing support to veterans in the criminal justice system.

Watch as Basaime Spate and Javonte Alexander, co-directors of the cutting-edge new Street Action Network, take part in a candid discussion with New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams about their experiences growing up as Black men in New York City, why they care so deeply about ending gun violence, and how government and communities can work together to improve the health and safety of all New Yorkers.

Problem-solving courts can help create lasting public safety by addressing the underlying challenges that bring people into the system, but their success depends on their ability to build partnerships with local service providers and community organizations. This two-part resource for community courts includes guidance and best practices for developing strong relationships with local resource providers. It also includes a comprehensive spreadsheet to help courts maintain a robust offering of resources for the people they serve.