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About Us
Our History
Founded in 1878, CJI evolved from the late 19th century New England movements concerned with public welfare, the humane treatment of prisoners, and the equitable application of justice. Formerly known as the Crime and Justice Foundation, we have a reputation built over many decades for innovative thinking, unbiased issue analysis, and effective policy advocacy.
Vision Statement
The Crime and Justice Institute operates as a division of Community Resources for Justice, Inc. CJI envisions criminal/juvenile justice and social welfare systems that are fair, humane, results-driven and cost-effective. Through our work we seek to contribute to the revitalization and empowerment of urban communities, and to assist vulnerable populations in realizing their potential to lead civil, productive and satisfying lives. Guided by a belief in the fundamental dignity of each individual, we strive to narrow the gap between the world as we know it and the world as we envision it.
Creative Collaborative Approaches to Complex Social Issues
It is important for the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI) to engage in work that can make a significant contribution to the criminal and juvenile justice systems in Massachusetts and nationally. Most of this work can be embraced in the concept of recidivism reduction.
We believe that in order for systems to make significant reforms and change the way they do their business, it requires solid information, knowledge, and skills of how to reduce recidivism. We also believe that the primary organizations need to go through an organizational development/change process and be involved in meaningful collaboration at many levels. The complex social issues confronted in the criminal justice system require collaboration to provide a more coherent continuum of care using evidence-based practices. When the primary stakeholders come together and can work toward a common vision and mission, much greater results can be achieved than any one organization working alone. We also believe that the system should be held accountable for measurable results.
CJI’s strength lies in our ability to bridge the gap between research and practice in public institutions and communities.
Our Work
CJI is improving public safety and human service delivery nationwide and in Massachusetts with our creative, collaborative approaches to today’s most pressing and complex social and public safety problems. Policymakers and practitioners alike benefit from our insightful, evidence-based recommendations.
CJI takes a broad view of public safety and the role we play in bringing about positive change. With funding from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the private sector, we:
CJI’s work is supported by an energetic and highly competent staff from diverse backgrounds in the criminal justice and social science fields. Our research and program evaluation capacity encompasses study design and implementation and a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods. Expertise includes survey, focus group, and case study methodologies. Applying both our research skills and broad practical experience, we also provide technical assistance in corrections, crime and violence prevention, community partnership-building, and other public safety arenas. We further expand our capacity by collaborating with outside research institutions, community-based organizations, and consultants from a wide range of disciplines.
Other Areas of Expertise
In particular, we are a national leader in developing results-oriented strategies and in empowering agencies and communities to implement successful systemic change. A key CJI strength lies in our ability to bridge the gap between research and practice in public institutions and communities.
CJI is a division of Community Resources for Justice