Message from our CEO Jacob Bissaillon



When Dr. Albert Elgash first used the term “restorative justice” in 1977 to describe a new approach to criminal justice, our founder Jon Houston was gathering with judges, legislators, and community stakeholders to open an organization committed to promoting "progressive principles in the criminal justice field.” This phrase, which is taken directly from the opening paragraph of Justice Assistance's by-laws, has guided our organization ever since. 

Today, Justice Assistance has evolved from a fledgling employment placement agency to a multi-faceted service provider assisting justice involved individuals. Following in the footsteps of a founding CEO is not an easy task, especially when that individual has been frequently recognized as a leader in criminal justice policy development. That’s why I spent my first two months as CEO of Justice Assistance learning from Jon, following our dedicated staff, and asking questions – lots and lots of questions. After shadowing our court-based services and CORES teams and participating in an expungement clinic, I observed that:

• Our court-based work is more important than ever, and the cases referred to JA come with a higher acuity in a post-pandemic world. Emerging from the pandemic has been a struggle for everyone, so we should not be surprised by the higher need for counseling and clinical services among individuals interacting with our justice system.

• The truest way to provide services to individuals involved with our justice system is to meet them where they are. CORES, our wraparound services model, coordinates access to care and service by building trusting relationships that will lead to personal and professional development.

• Rhode Island’s housing crisis permeates all populations and corners of our state, but it especially impacts justice involved individuals because of existing barriers to housing. Our Habitat for Justice will be one of the state’s only housing programs dedicated to housing justice involved individuals.

Yes, Justice Assistance is growing fast. However, our expansion is predicated and informed by more than four decades of work in Rhode Island’s criminal justice system. That’s why, only two months into my new role, I have developed a strong appreciation of our organization’s past and an abiding belief in our bright future. Stay tuned!

We hosted our 3rd Expungement Clinic in partnership with the Rhode Island Public Defender's Office. Twenty One individuals attended and 64 cases were found eligible for expungement or sealing in just under four hours.

One memorable attendee had four charges holding her back from pursing her education. She is currently finishing her second degree and aspires to become an attorney who supports victims of domestic violence. After speaking at length with her, Public Defender Chelsea Kelly found that all four criminal charges on her record were eligible for expungement or sealing. Overwhelmed with emotion, she noted she can finally advance her life and pursue her goals.

“The collateral consequences of a conviction can impair an individual’s ability to obtain housing, employment, and many other services long after their sentence is complete,” said Jake Bissaillon, CEO. “There’s no question that having a clean record improves the trajectory of one’s life once their debt to society is paid.”

Thank you again to Public Defenders Chelsea Kelly and Curtis Pouliot-Alvarez for providing this service.