Vera Institute of Justice

Centers and programs includes the work of Vera's centers: immigration and Justice, sentencing and corrections, victimization and safety, and youth Justice. The work focus of each area is as follows:immigration and Justice increasing immigrants' access to legal services and improving relationships between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Major initiative includes safe cities network, which seeks to bring direct legal representation to immigration communities in jurisdictions across the country.sentencing and corrections developing and supporting balanced, fair and humane sentencing and corrections policies to reduce use of incarceration; transform incarceration to be rehabilitative, rather than punitive; and ensure the safety of prisons. Major initiatives include in our backyards (reducing use of jails in rural communities) and unlocking potential (expanding access to post-secondary education to those in prison).victimization and safety works with government and other nonprofit organizations to prevent and address interpersonal violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, particularly in vulnerable communities.youth ...

Demonstration project includes Vera's project guardianship, which serves as court-appointed agency guardians to elderly or disabled individuals who lack family or other support networks.