About

Vermont’s Court Diversion Program

began in 1979 with seven pilot programs throughout the state. Our funding stemmed from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, and the Turrell Fund of East Orange, New Jersey, provided supplemental funding for the development of the juvenile program. The successful of these pilot programs quickly led to the availability of court diversion in every county and the formation of the Vermont Association of Court Diversion Programs (VACDP). In 1980, Vermont legislature voted to fund court diversion for juvenile first offenders.

By 1982,

several diversion programs had begun to handle adult first offenses cases in addition to juvenile cases. Following the success of the adult program, VACDP requested an amendment to the statute to include adults and increase funding to accommodate an expanding caseload. This request was granted in 1984. Rather than provide funding for the full cost of the adult program, legislature required participants to pay a participation fee to ensure the continuation of the program.

Today,

RCRJC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit agency that has been in operation for more than 40 years. We proudly offer the following:

  • Diversion
  • Youth Substance Awareness & Safety Program (YSASP)
  • Driving with License Suspended (DLS)
  • Tamarack
  • Balanced & Restorative Justice (BARJ)
  • Pretrial Services
  • Social & Emotional Intelligence Course
  • Affinity Spaces

While our parent name is Rutland County Court Diversion & Restorative Justice Center, Inc., we now operate under the name of Rutland County Restorative Justice Center. By doing business under this name, we hope to reflect the expansion of our sponsored programs as an indication of our dedication to our community. Our funding comes from our partnerships, the state, program participation fees, and donations of caring community members. EIN: 03-0279824