Center for Community Justice
The Center for Community Justice is in partnership with the State of Delaware to provide a community-based approach to resolving interpersonal conflicts, minor criminal offenses and minor civil suits. The program is available to the general public and provides a place and an opportunity for community members to resolve conflict before, or instead of, going to court.
The Center for Community Justice upholds the following beliefs:
- That criminal acts impact the entire community. Therefore, the community should have a role in determining the outcome.
- That face-to-face mediation promotes better relationships and solutions, which benefits both parties and the community.
- Individuals can often resolve their own conflicts more effectively and satisfactorily than the courts.
- Victims should have a larger role in determining the disposition and outcome of their criminal cases.
Victims' Voices Heard is also a program of the Center for Community Justice that provides Victim Offender Dialogue in Cases of Severe Violence.
Program Referrals
Varies by program; call 302-424-0890 for more information.
Description of the Services Offered:
COMMUNITY MEDIATION
Disputes between tenants and landlords, neighbors, spouses, family, relatives, friends, roommates or co-workers can be effectively resolved through the community mediation program. Either party in a dispute can call and request mediation services. If the parties agree to meet, a trained, certified mediator will be assigned to facilitate a mutually satisfying resolution.
VICTIM-OFFENDER MEDIATION
In cases approved by the Attorney General’s Office, victims and offenders can choose to meet and decide the resolution of the case through the mediation process. Meeting in a safe environment, at the convenience of the parties, the victim and offender decide what kind of outcome is appropriate for them. Mediation services are personalized and convenient. Mediation sessions can be held pre-trial, post-conviction and post-sentence.
VICTIMS' VOICES HEARD
Victim Offender Dialogue in Cases of Severe Violence is an opportunity initiated only at the request of the victim/survivors. To provide victims of violent crime the opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting with their offender in a secure, safe environment, in order to facilitate a healing, recovery process. To provide victims with the opportunity for personal insight, empowerment, and structure for their grieving and healing. An opportunity for victims to ask questions and receive answers and insight, which only offenders can provide.
For offenders to express remorse, admit guilt, and take responsibility for the full impact of their behavior upon the victim, their families and their communities. For offenders to hear first hand the depth of trauma experienced by the victim.
For more specific information about Victims' Voices Heard, please visit our web site at www.victimsvoicesheard.org or by calling our office at 302-697-7005 or toll free 866-424-0890.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION CLASS
This class is an eight-hour experiential training for youth and adults designed to develop skills needed to resolve conflicts effectively and non-violently. The training is based on the nationally recognized Community Board Program.
SHOPLIFTERS ALTERNATIVE
A comprehensive, two-part program designed to help juveniles recognize the impact and risks of shoplifting. The youth completes a Home Study Kit, which covers the facts and myths of shoplifting, who is harmed, how their lives can be affected, and how to avoid the temptation of shoplifting. The classroom segment reinforces the information in the Home Study and assists the youth in devising a personalized plan to stop shoplifting forever.
TENANT/LANDLORD DISPUTES
The Center has specially trained mediators to assist landlords and tenants in resolving their disputes without the expense of the court process.
Eligibility and Other Important Information Specific to the Program
Trainings
The Center for Community Justice offers on-site trainings on mediation, conflict resolution, negotiation and communication skills to community groups.
In addition to the community trainings, the Center for Community Justice offers mediator trainings twice annually at People’s Place. The trainings are open to those interested in becoming a volunteer mediator or individuals interested in learning mediation skills.
To be a volunteer you must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Commit to 1 mediation per month
- Commit to 2 mediator meetings per year
Explanation of Fee Structure, Sliding Fee Scale, Etc.
Fee: Varies by service
Location of Services
Center for Community Justice
1131 Airport Rd.
Milford, DE 19963
Contact Us
For more information contact us at:
302-424-0890
Mailing Address:
The Center for Community Justice
1129 Airport Road
Milford, Delaware 19963
