For fourteen years I have had the privilege of working for an amazing organization, the Center for Court Innovation. While the Center itself is not widely known, many of the projects we have developed or encouraged are, including the Harlem Community Justice Center and Upper Manhattan Reentry Task Force. From a small demonstration project in the early 1990's, the Midtown Community Court, the Center's work has spawned hundreds of results driven justice innovations nationally, and increasingly internationally. Every day these projects are connecting addicts to treatment, assisting victims, smoothing the path home for persons leaving prison, and diverting youth from incarceration.
The ideas and practices developed through the Center's work have changed the way our justice system operates for the better. I am proud of the accomplishments represented in the video. It is a testament to the staff and volunteers of the Center and the leadership of our many community and agency partners.
Christopher Watler
Project Director
Harlem Community Justice Center
