Red Hook Community Justice Center

Photo of Community Outreach at the Justice Center

The nation's first multi-jurisdictional community court, the Red Hook Community Justice Center seeks to solve neighborhood problems in southwest Brooklyn.

The winner of multiple national awards for innovation, the Red Hook Community Justice Center houses a courtroom in which a single judge hears cases that under ordinary circumstances would go to three different courts—Civil, Family, and Criminal. The tools at the judge’s disposal include community restitution projects, short-term psycho-educational groups, and long-term treatment. Beyond the courtroom, the Justice Center offers an array of unconventional programs that work to improve both public safety and trust in justice. An independent evaluation found the Justice Center significantly reduced recidivism and the number of people receiving jail sentences while enhancing public confidence in government.

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Connect with Us

718.923.8200

88 Visitation Place
Brooklyn, NY 11231
United States

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Highlights

  • Peacemaking Program

    Building on a traditional Native American approach to justice, the Center’s peacemaking programs focus on healing and community restoration rather than punishment.

  • Youth Court

    Youth courts train teenagers to handle real-life cases involving their peers, offering a restorative response to misbehavior.

  • Housing Resource Centers

    Through housing, financial, and legal assistance, we help tenants navigate housing court to resolve critical repairs and prevent evictions.

  • Driver Accountability Program

    The Driver Accountability Program is an innovative response to driving-related offenses that seeks to improve traffic safety and increase accountability among dangerous drivers. 

Our Impact

  • 3 of 4 defendants receive social services instead of jail or fines

    Source →

  • 1% Less than 1% of cases receive jail at arraignment

    Source →

  • 20% drop in re-offending among juvenile defendants; adult re-offending was reduced by 10%

    Source →
Makayla Lovette testimonial
Even though I first came to the Justice Center because I had a conflict it turned out to be something positive for me and I think that’s just what the Community Justice Center is for everybody in Red Hook.
Makayla Lovette Participant at the Red Hook Community Justice Center

Photo Gallery

Demitri Stanle an alumnus of the Red Hook Youth Court
Youth Court Alum Helps Launch Contest

Demitri Stanley, an alumnus of the Red Hook Youth Court and intern with the New York Police Department, addresses a news conference at the launch of the #MyBrooklynStory contest. Seated at left is Police Commissioner James O'Neill.

Red Hook Community Justice Center Service
Beautifying the Neighborhood

Young people from the Justice Center's summer internship program team with local police officers to beautify a prominent corner on Red Hook's main business corridor.

Red Hook Community Justice Bridging the Gap
Breaking Down Stereotypes

‘Bridging the Gap’ events bring together young people, local police officers, and community members to break down stereotypes on all sides. 

Red Hook Community Justice Center 'Bridging the Gap' event
Bridging the Gap

At the third 'Bridging the Gap' event, Officer Fuentes of the 72nd Precinct talks with a community member. (Photo by Lauren Henschel.)

Publications & Digital Media

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News

  • Opinion: New York’s Legislature Must Act to Address Utility Outages in NYCHA

    May 30, 2024
    City Limits

    For months, 113 households in NYCHA's Red Hook West Houses have gone without cooking gas; but an analysis by a group of law students in partnership with our Red Hook Community Justice Center found that such outages are far from unusual in New York City public housing. It also found that residents of public housing go without some key legal protections enjoyed by private tenants, making it harder for them to find accountability for outages and poor conditions. This opinion piece in City Limits makes the case for statewide reforms to provide relief for NYCHA residents living with utility outages, arguing that New York's warranty of habitability applies to all residents—not just those in private housing.

  • Red Hook NYCHA Tenants Waiting Months For Gas Want Answers

    April 25, 2024
    City Limits

    Residents of New York City’s public housing system are routinely forced to live without kitchen gas, electricity, and heat, sometimes for days or weeks on end. With support from the Red Hook Community Justice Center, some tenants of Brooklyn’s Red Hook Houses are seeking compensation—and a new bill sponsored by Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes proposes to reduce tenant rent during utility outages.

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