Criminal Justice

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

We Are Called
In a response to crime and criminal justice, the Catholic Bishops of the United States produced a document 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 policy but is also a test Catholic commitment. In the face of so much violence and crime, our faith calls the Church to responsibility and action.”

The Criminal Justice Office is a program of Catholic Charities of Central Florida. The Criminal Justice Office provides outreach programs and services in the following areas:

• Juvenile Justice Program
  The Juvenile Justice Program offers prevention and intervention services for at-risk and incarcerated youth and their parents.
• “F I N D”© - Families In Need of Direction is an interactive program for first time juvenile offenders and their parents. It helps youth make better choices, builds self-esteem and respect and offers tools, skills and resources for parents.
• “N E W H O P E S”© – Helping Other Parents
  Experience Support is a program developed by parents for parents. It provides education, resources and support for parents who are struggling with their at-risk and troubled youth.
• “NOT MY KID”© - is a school presentation offering parents and educators the latest facts and information on the many issues that our kids face everyday in their community.
• “GET REAL and R E A D Y”© - Real Education about Alcohol, Drugs and Youth is an interactive educational program for at-risk youth and their parents.

Prison and Jail Program
This program provides training to parish volunteers so they can minister to incarcerated men and women. It also reaches out to families of the incarcerated and helps bring a sense of hope to the many lives that often lose faith and hope in themselves, others and God.

Victims of Crime and Violence Program
This program reaches out to victims of crime and violence. Trained parish volunteers can reach out and provide someone who cares by listening to the victim. The volunteer can act as an advocate to help the victim find hope and healing. Recently, Bishop Wenski asked The Criminal Justice Office to team up with the Immigration and Refugee Office of Catholic Charities to address the issue of Human Trafficking and to provide outreach to victims.

For More Information Please Visit the Criminal Justice Office Website at www.criminaljusticeoffice.org.

Law Enforcement Outreach Program:
The Central Florida Police Stress Unit provides peer support, professional counseling and education for law enforcement agencies, personnel and their families

For More Information Please Visit the Central Florida Police Stress Unit Website at www.policestress.org.