Catholic Charities of Central Florida

CRIMINAL JUSTICE OFFICE:
A Program of Catholic Charities of Central Florida

We Are Called…
In response to crime and criminal justice, the Catholic Bishops of the United States produced a statement entitled Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration - A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice. “The challenge of curbing crime and reshaping the criminal justice system is not just a matter of public policy, but is also a test of Catholic commitment. In the face of so much violence and crime, our faith calls the Church to responsibility and action. We are called to bring a message of faith, hope and reconciliation to all affected by the tragedy of crime and violence whether they are the offender, victim, public servant or family.”
Our work is a social ministry rooted in Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching

Prison and Jail Ministry serves incarcerated men and women in Local, State and Federal Correctional Institutions. It also reaches out to families of the incarcerated by utilizing the Family Services and Counseling Program of Catholic Charities. The Prison and Jail Ministry Program trains and certifies Parish Volunteers to provide pastoral ministry outreach to bring a sense of hope and reconciliation to the many lives that often lose faith and hope in themselves, others and God.

Juvenile Justice Program serves at-risk youth and their parents. It offers an opportunity to learn about improving self-esteem, respect for themselves and others, developing communication skills and assists youth with making better choices in life by committing to memory the “Ethical Decision Making Process.”
Programs include:

F I N D Families In Need of Direction for first time juvenile offender and their parents.
New HOPES Helping Other Parents Experience Support Educational support for parents.
Not My Kid An educational program for parents and teachers.

Victims of Crime and Human Trafficking provides outreach, support, and resources for victims of crime and human trafficking. Educational programs on human trafficking are available for churches, civic groups, non governmental organizations and law enforcement. The Criminal Justice Office works closely with the Catholic Charities Counseling Program and the Immigration and Refugee Office to assist victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and trauma. Other educational programs and services include a response To victims of natural disasters and critical incidents.

Law Enforcement Outreach Program
The Criminal Justice Office provides peer support, pastoral care and educational programs for law enforcement personnel, their families, law enforcement
agencies, and training and support resources for law enforcement chaplains. As public servants, police officers, deputy sheriffs and correctional officers face danger and stress everyday in their profession.

The Law Enforcement Outreach Program provides a confidential response to those who protect and Serve. The Criminal Justice Office facilitates the Annual Blue Mass on September 11th to honor the men and women to put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities throughout Central
Florida.

Visit the Criminal Justice Office web site at www.CriminalJusticeOffice.org

Police