MOCJ Programs

Community Courts

Delivering justice with community solutions.

Community Courts combine conventional court responses with alternative sanctions, onsite services, and neighborhood partnerships to break the cycle of crime and improve quality of life. By working across agencies and with local organizations, Community Courts ensure justice is visible, fair, and responsive to local needs.

Partner PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS

Services Provided & Focus Domains

Court supervision and regular status reporting
Onsite court reporting and compliance monitoring
Mental health & substance use treatment
Trauma‑informed individual and group counseling
Vocational, educational and housing supports
Impact & Highlights
People diverted from prosecution through pre-arraignment programming in 2024 at MCJC
Participants are completing Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programming
Lower two-year re-arrest rate for defendants processed at RHCJC compared to traditional courts

Who It’s For

  • Individuals mandated by judges as alternatives to jail
  • Serves people with non-violent and violent felony charges
  • Supports women, youth, and people with behavioral health needs
  • Located citywide, including Queens and Staten Island

Why?

New York City faces persistent challenges around jail overcrowding, racial disparities in sentencing, and recidivism. Traditional incarceration often fails to address root causes of criminal behavior and destabilizes families and communities.

History

Launched in 1993 with the Midtown Community Court–the first of its kind in the nation–New York City’s Community Court model has grown to become an internationally recognized approach to local justice. In 2000, the Red Hook Community Justice Center (RHCJC) became the first multi-jurisdictional court in the US, with one judge overseeing criminal, housing, and family matters. Since then, community court models have spread to dozens of cities and countries around the world. In NYC, expansion efforts since 2014 have made community courts a cornerstone of the city’s diversion and decarceration strategies.

By integrating courts into local neighborhoods and offering services alongside accountability programming, Community Courts:

  • Reduces reliance on jail and lowers daily population
  • Addresses root causes of crime (mental health, trauma, substance use, employment)
  • Allows participants to maintain family, housing, and employment ties
  • Promote visible compliance and faster case resolution
  • Build community trust in the justice system
  • Improve long-term public safety and stability

Partner Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do people qualify for Community Court programs?

Entry is court-mandated; judges determine eligibility based on charges and individual circumstances.

What happens if someone doesn’t comply?

Non-compliance may result in jail, but the justice system aims to address compliance barriers through coaching and support.

Does it work long-term?

Yes. Research and NYC data show reduced recidivism and improved outcomes when wraparound services are paired with court supervision.

Contact Us