Justice Resource Center Has a New Entrance on 14th Floor of Courthouse

The Justice Resource Center (JRC) and the services provided by Buncombe County Justice Services are now accessible in a new entrance on the 14th floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse. Previously Pretrial Services was accessed from the 14th floor, and all other services were accessed on the 15th floor. This move will make it easier to access all services from one central point.

The JRC serves individuals who are justice-involved. “No matter where you are in the criminal justice process from pretrial to conviction, we want to support people," says Justice Services Director Tiffany Iheanacho. "While our main objective is to help those who have been charged with a crime, our services are here for anyone who needs help.” Involvement in the criminal justice system can carry lifelong impacts on the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods. Many individuals with justice involvement are also impacted by poverty, trauma, mental illness, and/or substance abuse.

Since October of 2018, the JRC has provided services to more than 3,300 individuals. “The support I received helped me a lot to get through the program. I am very appreciative of that, and I just want people to know that this program makes a difference,” says a recent diversion program participant.*

If you have been involved in the justice system, the Justice Resource Center can help. After spending months in a therapeutic residential setting, a recent community member had nowhere to go while they tried to stay sober. A Justice Services pretrial coordinator and RHA’s Community Reentry program provided them with essential items to help meet basic needs while they also helped to find housing. They shared, “I left rehab on Monday, met with RHA on Tuesday, got a place to live Tuesday night and looked for work on Wednesday. I got a job on Thursday and have been doing good since. I hit 6 months clean yesterday.”*

The Justice Resource Center offers diversion programs, resources, and evidenced-based programming designed to decrease recidivism and support positive decision-making. Learn more about services, initiatives, and offerings at buncombecounty.org/justiceservices.

Services Provided

• Adult Misdemeanor Diversion Program
• Case Management Services
• Evidenced-Based Classes
• Driver’s License Restoration and Expunction Support
• Felony Drug Diversion Program
• Pretrial Services
• Re-entry Services
• Treatment Courts
• Youth Justice Clinical Program

New Services

Youth Justice Clinical Program

The Youth Justice Clinical Program addresses the continuum of needs by providing extensive behavioral health assessments. Comprehensive clinical assessments ensure that young people receive the most accurate recommendation for future services to meet their individual situation. 

The Youth Justice Clinical Program also provides group counseling to young people via trauma-informed Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, substance use/alcohol assessment, and group therapy to youth referred through Juvenile Court Counselors. The program addresses delinquent behaviors, family functioning, and other barriers and improves their ability to effectively cope with complex traumatic experiences. Effective counseling services help eliminate barriers/reduce recidivism for court involved youth.

Driver’s License Restoration

Not having a driver’s license creates barriers to opportunity, making it hard to access a meaningful job, affordable housing, and other needed opportunities to remain free from justice involvement. The Driver’s License Restoration project, in collaboration with Pisgah Legal Services, will expand to assist some of the estimated 1-in-7 people who have active driver’s license suspensions relating to failure to pay traffic/court fines and failure to appear in court for traffic offenses. After completing the program, a participant shared, “I am a United States Army Veteran. When I first sought assistance from the Justice Resource Center, I was employed in the hospitality industry but was working towards becoming a certified Peer Support Specialist. With the help of Pisgah Legal Services staff at the Justice Resource Center, I was able to obtain my Driver’s License and get a job working with other veterans. Now I have obtained my Peer Support Specialist certification and am working everyday with people that have substance use and/or mental health challenges that are involved with the criminal justice system.”*

Directions

Upon entering the Judicial Complex at 60 Court Plaza, take a right and continue around to the elevators in the basement of the old courthouse. Take the public elevator to the 14th floor. Reception desk is in front of the elevators. You may call 250-6401 to schedule an appointment.

*Names have been withheld to protect any sensitive private information.