CAIR-NJ Welcomes the City of Paterson’s Allocation of $600,000 to Paterson Municipal Court to Establish a Community Court Program
(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 11/01/2022) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the City of Paterson’s allocation of $600,000 to establish a community court program within the Paterson Municipal Court.
The program would implement rehabilitative initiatives for residents and offenders who have been charged with low-level, non-violent crimes.
Through the program, participants may be eligible for non-punitive divisionary measures such as mental health services, health care, education employment placement, job training, substance abuse treatment, community services, and financial and housing assistance.
The city of Paterson also seeks to launch a hybrid approach to connecting defendants to direct services and support in addition to granting referrals to contracting community-based organizations and treatments providers.
SEE: Press Release
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Manager Madina P. Ouedraogo, MPA-PNP said:
“CAIR-NJ commends the city of Paterson for implementing harm reduction and non-punitive response measures within its municipal court system. We commend the city of Paterson for taking steps to address injustices and inequities within New Jersey’s criminal justice system and hope other New Jersey cities follow its model.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, 908-267-3119, smaksur@cair.com
