U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, celebrated major investments by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs to support public safety and rehabilitation community projects in Vermont, totaling over $3.1 million, Aug. 22.
The announcements include funding from the Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which provides support for initiatives that improve the criminal justice system, prevent young adults from offending, and help victims of crime. Funding will support projects across the state, including a grant of $1.9 million to the Vermont Department of Public Safety, $979,000 to Youth Services to enhance restorative interventions, and $300,000 to Burlington.
“As a former Public Defender, I know firsthand how important public safety in our communities is—and I also know how important it is that those who are in our justice system are given the opportunity to reenter society. Vermonters deserve to feel safe and supported in their communities, which is why federal investments that bolster community-driven public safety initiatives to support both accountability and rehabilitation are essential to making Vermont a safer place to live,” said Senator Welch. “This funding will support projects across the state to promote and improve public safety.”
Administered by the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), JAG Program grants provide communities with the funding needed to support mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs, the implementation of state crisis intervention courts, funding for law enforcement and courts, funding for prevention and education, crime victim and witness assistance, and more.
DOJ JAG grants that support Vermont initiatives include:
$1.9 million for the “Beyond Us and Them” program, which includes:
The Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy & Resilience (POWER) Training Program for law enforcement, first responders, and correctional staff; and
The Council for Insight, Compassion and Resilience (CICR) program for individuals who are incarcerated.
$979,000 to develop the Community Restorative Practices Project to enhance restorative interventions in Windham County, minimizing reliance on the justice system. This project will offer free programs focused on community conflict assistance, support for victims, and reentry opportunities,
$300,000 to the Community Justice Center (CJC) to move into the new Post Apartments—formerly the VFW. The City of Burlington is leasing the space from the Champlain Housing Trust. This grant will support costs associated with moving into the new space, which will finally be designed for the CJC with its intended purpose in mind.
In January, Senator Welch advocated for additional measures to further reform the criminal justice system including expanding funding for mental health services.
