A group of people stand outdoors with their backs to the camera, arms around each other, symbolizing unity and commitment to social justice as they face a breathtaking mountainous landscape and trees.

Institute on Public Safety + social justice

Meeting public safety challenges with socially just solutions.

Holistic Community Well-Being + Public Safety

The Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice (IPSSJ) works to support holistic community well-being and public safety through trauma-informed solutions, collaboration, research, and training. Areas of focus include:

Addressing Trauma

Building public safety systems that heal and address trauma rather than recreate it.

Decriminalization of Communities

Supporting a cultural shift away from punishment toward real accountability

Building Community Capacity

Helping organizations and communities plan safety strategies that promote wellness.


Advancing Community Care + public safety

What is IPSSJ? 

Since 2011, has partnered with systems and communities to shift practices from punishment to healing. Grounded in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and a belief in collective solutions for lasting safety, IPSSJ seeks to strengthen community wellness and public safety by addressing the root causes of harm.

From reducing incarceration to expanding access to education, IPSSJ’s work takes many forms, each focused on addressing the root causes of harm.

IL-CHEP (opens in a new tab)
RJ Hubs (opens in a new tab)
Healing Beyond Harm (opens in a new tab)
Six young adults with backpacks and books walk together across a street in an urban area, talking and smiling, as trees and an institute building focused on public safety rise in the background.

Restorative justice

Restorative justice offers a different way to respond to harm — one that centers healing, accountability, and community connection. IPSSJ brings this philosophy to life through community-driven initiatives grounded in collective care and systems change. 

What is restorative justice? | YouTube (opens in a new tab)
A man sits beside a woman who is visibly upset, comforting her with a hand on her shoulder in a counseling session focused on social justice.
A person with short, light hair wearing a blue and gray sweater stands indoors with city buildings in the background—perhaps one of the dedicated scholarship applicants hoping for the Quintana Last Mile Scholarship.

Quintana Last Mile Scholarship 

This scholarship supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in overcoming financial barriers to completing their education. Awarded annually, it prioritizes those who have begun their studies or are held back by prior debt. 

City Wide Restorative Justice Meeting

Support systemic change + community care

Help IPSSJ expand trauma-informed, restorative approaches.