About DCJ
At the DCJ, we listen, we amplify, and we act to seek
justice for all Delawareans through advocacy and services.
We provide state-of-the-art, evidence-based programming to our clients, seeking justice for each individual as we seek justice for all.
Legislative Tracker
Death Penalty
HB 301 in 2024
Problem:
Death penalty
Solution:
Constitutional amendment to prohibit the death penalty.
Status:
Passage in two consecutive legislative sessions is required for a Constitutional Amendment. HB 301 failed to pass the 1st leg in June 2024. The bill will likely be introduced in 2025.
Key Community Partners:
Compassionate Release
N/A
Problem:
Compassionate Release
Solution:
Expansion of release mechanisms (ex. 4217s)
Status:
Problem:
Death by Incarceration
Solutions:
Reduction/abolition of LWOP, habitual offender, mandatory minimum laws, etc.
Problem:
Pre-trial detention, denial of right to bail
Solutions:
Curtailing pretrial detention without bail based on signal crimes; use risk assessment tools, judicial discretion, and individualized terms of pretrial release
House Bill:
Status:
First leg of Constitutional Amendment passed in June 2024. Passage in a second consecutive legislative session is required for a CA. The 2nd leg may be introduced in 2025.
Justice for All Delawareans
In this extraordinary moment, our nation is unified in a loud and sustained call for justice. Not justice postponed, as it has always been for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in America, nor justice for some, but fully and finally justice for all. We are also calling for the dismantling of the mechanisms of white supremacy that have prevented justice on this continent for over four centuries.
In Delaware, we have yet to achieve an unbiased, equitable, and transformative vision of justice. The effects of slavery, Jim Crow, poverty, and discrimination are embedded in our state’s institutions and disproportionately impact those most vulnerable to structural injustice to this day. As recently as 2019, Black Delawareans accounted for 60% of the state’s prison population, while representing less than a quarter of its population overall.
In this environment, justice cannot exist.
There’s reason to hope, however. Since the murder of George Floyd, we’ve seen monuments to white supremacy toppled; we’ve witnessed the Supreme Court uphold the rights of LGBTQ+ people and dreamers; and right here in Delaware we’ve seen the beginning of much-needed policing reform.
Building on this momentum, our new mission is simple but direct: we listen, we amplify, and we act to seek justice for all Delawareans through advocacy and services.
LISTEN.
AMPLIFY.
ACT.
our programs
DCJ is unique among nonprofits in that we operate in both the advocacy and service spaces. Our policy and education work informs—and is informed by—our direct service programs.
We offer a variety of different programs for adults, including services for victims, reintegration, restoration, and more. Additionally, we offer three different programs for youth, supporting both victims and perpetrators of crime. While DCJ works for collective justice, our programs work for individual justice.
our work
Our primary role in Delaware is to offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment that encourages and supports the vulnerability of our clients. Additionally, our public education, research, and advocacy initiatives involve engaging the public and policymakers in reasoned discussions of leagl issues to improve the quality of justice in Delaware. Our reformative and legislative work focuses on juvenile justice, pretrial reform, decarceration and sentencing reform, and the collateral consequences of conviction.
Resources
Unfortunately, we cannot accept walk-in clients, but please browse through the wealth of resources on our website. Call us at 302-658-7174 if you would like to be referred to one of our programs.
Donate
Your support will activate a bold vision of justice for Delawareans. While DCJ is thankful for state contracts and grants to sustain our client services, we also rely on donations to support our policy and advocacy work. Your generosity will help to expand our programs and move us closer to achieving justice for all.
Events Calendar
HUD Publishes Final Rule on Removing Criminal Conviction Restrictions for Fair Housing Testers
National Fair Housing Training Academy
HUD published its final rule, Expanding the Fair Housing Testing Pool for FHIP and FHAP Funded Entities, to remove criminal conviction restrictions for fair housing testers.
Second Chance Day: “It gives you a sense of hope”
Deja Parker
GEORGETOWN, Del. – Probation and parole along with community organizations are making sure a second chance is within reach, by providing recently incarcerated individuals with the necessary resources.
DCJ Board Member Dr. Chanda Jackson-Short added to Dover Police Chief’s Advisory Committee
Craig Anderson
DOVER — On Monday, the Dover Police Department announced the nine-member Police Chief’s Advisory Committee designed to enhance law enforcement’s relationship with the community.
Delaware Center for Justice to host group therapy program for healing racial trauma
Kelli Steele
The Delaware Center for Justice in Wilmington is preparing to host a six-week group therapy program for healing racial trauma.
Delaware Center for Justice announces new executive director
Delaware News Desk
The Delaware Center for Justice announced Nov. 20 that David Bever was named the new executive director of the organization.
dcj in the news
Get Involved
Please consider getting involved in this critical work. We have full-time, intern, and volunteer positions available and would love to hear from anyone who is passionate about seeing real change for those affected by the legal system in Delaware.