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

    The Center launched one of the first youth courts in New York in Red Hook, Brooklyn in 1998. 

  • 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

  • Reanimating Community Life Through Community Justice Centers

    January 13, 2025
    New York Law Journal

    Amid growing concerns about the decline in civic engagement, institutions and spaces that revitalize community and make room for collective problem-solving are more important than ever. A powerful example, writes Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, can be seen in community justice centers across New York, operated by the Center for Justice Innovation in partnership with the Unified Court System. In this piece for the New York Law Journal, Judge Wilson looks at the history and future of this innovative model, which brings courts and communities together to address neighborhood challenges and improve well-being for residents inside and outside the justice system.

  • To End Domestic Violence, We Need a Holistic Approach

    Despite the devastating impacts of intimate partner violence on communities across the country, traditional responses to it often fall short of what survivors and the people most impacted really need. In working with survivors in New York City and nationwide, we've seen firsthand the importance of taking a multifaceted approach to ending domestic violence.

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Related Areas of Focus

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