Skip to Content
Focus Areas

People-Centered Responses

We take an individualized and trauma-informed approach to putting people’s needs at the center of safety and justice—in both courts and communities.

People around a table talking in front of a mural.

We put real people at the center of finding solutions to achieve safety and justice. Building people-centered justice means centering the voices of people who are most impacted—those facing legal charges, survivors of domestic violence, or residents in historically marginalized communities—and relying on their experience to inform solutions. We do this by collecting data to fully understand a problem; closely collaborating with courts, communities, non-profits, the private sector, and local government; and transforming practices within the legal system.

Participant receiving gift at Alternative to Incarceration Graduation
Participant receiving gift at Alternative to Incarceration Graduation
Being People-Centered

Mental Health

Far too many people come into contact with the legal system due to underlying mental health needs. Traditional responses within our justice system often leave these issues unaddressed.

Mental Health Is Justice
Being People-Centered

Inside Literary Prize

Learn about the first-ever U.S.-based book prize decided by incarcerated people, proudly presented with National Book Foundation and Freedom Reads.

Inside Literary Prize