About

Vermont’s Court Diversion Program

began in 1979 with seven pilot programs across the state. Initial funding was provided by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, with additional support from the Turrell Fund of East Orange, New Jersey, to develop the juvenile program. The success of these pilot programs quickly led to the expansion of court diversion services in every county and the establishment of the Vermont Association of Court Diversion Programs (VACDP). In 1980, the Vermont Legislature approved state funding for court diversion programs serving juvenile first-time offenders.

By 1982,

several diversion programs expanded to handle adult first-offense cases in addition to juvenile cases. Following the success of the adult program, VACDP sought a statutory amendment to formally include adults and secure additional funding to support the growing 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