LOCAL ACTION · REAL JUSTICE
Empowering youth, transforming the justice system—one story at a time.
The Youth Justice Initiative is a community-powered nonprofit creating pathways away from justice system involvement and toward education, healing, and leadership for young people impacted by the justice system.
3 ways to plug in this month: host a know-your-rights circle, mentor a local youth, or volunteer at our community court nights.
Who we are
A community-led movement for youth justice and healing.
We partner with youth, families, schools, and local agencies to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. Through education, advocacy, and direct social services, we create alternatives that keep young people rooted in their communities.
Our work centers those most impacted: youth of color, system-involved families, and neighbors historically left out of policy conversations. Together, we co-design programs that are practical, trauma-informed, and rooted in possibility.
Education
Know-your-rights trainings, school workshops, and youth leadership labs.
Social services
Case management, court support, diversion pathways, and family navigation.
Advocacy
Policy campaigns shaped by youth voices and lived experience.
Community
Restorative circles, healing spaces, and youth-led storytelling events.
Our social service programs
Support that meets young people where they are.
Our wraparound services are free, confidential, and available to youth and families across the county.
Court & diversion support
We walk alongside youth through every hearing—coordinating rides, preparing families, and advocating for restorative alternatives to detention.
- Individual case management
- Diversion referrals & navigation
- Youth-centered court preparation
School & reentry navigation
From re-enrolling in school to accessing tutoring, job training, and transportation, we help youth rebuild stable, joyful routines.
- IEP & school meeting support
- Reentry plans for youth leaving custody
- Connections to jobs & internships
Healing & restorative circles
Trained facilitators hold spaces for youth, families, and community members to process harm, repair relationships, and imagine different futures.
- Restorative justice circles
- Family healing groups
- Peer-led support spaces
Volunteer with us
Your time can change the direction of a young person’s life.
Whether you have two hours a month or ten, there’s a role for you. We’ll train you, match you with the right opportunity, and surround you with a supportive team.
- Court companion & ride support
- Mentor a local teen
- Facilitate a study or art circle
- Host a know-your-rights workshop
- Support events & storytelling
- Join our policy action team
Accessibility matters: we offer flexible schedules, childcare stipends for key events, and roles that can be done remotely or in person.
Impact in our city
Youth are not stats. But the numbers tell a powerful story.
With our partners, we’re building a local ecosystem where diversion is the default, not the exception.
250+
youth received direct support in the past 12 months.
72%
reduction in repeat court involvement among youth in our diversion programs.
1,200+
neighbors reached through community education and storytelling events.
Behind each number is a young person, a family, and a network of neighbors showing up together.
Stories from our community
Justice looks like showing up for each other.
Real voices from youth, volunteers, and families who are reimagining what safety and accountability can look like.
“When I caught my case, I thought my life was basically over. YJI helped me make a plan, talk things through with my family, and find a mentor who’d been there. Now I’m back in school and helping run circles with younger kids.”
Jamal, 17 · Youth participant
“I signed up thinking I’d just help with rides to court. I ended up building real relationships with youth and other volunteers. YJI gives you tools so you’re never guessing how to show up.”
Alina · Volunteer court companion
“As a parent, I felt lost and ashamed. The family circle gave me language, support, and people who didn’t judge us. We’re still navigating the system, but we’re not alone in it anymore.”
Marisol · Parent & circle participant
Getting connected
Three simple steps to plug into Youth Justice Initiative.
For youth, families, and volunteers, we’ve made it easy to take the next right step.
1. Reach out
Fill out a quick form or get in touch by phone. Tell us if you’re a young person, caregiver, educator, or potential volunteer.
2. Meet your guide
We match you with a staff member or volunteer who will listen, share options, and co-create a plan that makes sense for you.
3. Take action together
From court dates to community projects, we stay connected—checking in, adjusting, and celebrating every step forward.
Ready to take the next step?
Share a bit about yourself and we’ll follow up with upcoming orientations, volunteer trainings, and ways to support our social service teams.
Looking for support for a young person? You can use this same form and select “I’m seeking services” so our team can respond quickly.
We respect your privacy. Your information will only be used to contact you about Youth Justice Initiative programs and volunteer opportunities.
Questions, answered.
If you don’t see your question here, reach out and a member of our team will respond within 2–3 business days.
Fuel the work.
Your donation keeps our social workers, mentors, and educators present where they’re needed most.
Do I need prior experience to volunteer?
No. We welcome volunteers with all levels of experience. We provide orientation, ongoing training, and clear role descriptions so you always know what to expect and how to support youth safely and ethically.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
Some roles, like one-time event support, are as little as 2–3 hours. Others, like mentoring, ask for a 6–12 month commitment so youth can build consistent relationships. You can indicate your availability on the interest form.
How do youth or families access services?
Youth, caregivers, educators, public defenders, or probation officers can all refer a young person by filling out our support form or calling our office. We respond with a short intake conversation and share next steps within 3 business days.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Youth Justice Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. After you donate, you’ll receive an email receipt with our tax ID for your records.
Youth Justice Initiative
Building a place where every young person has what they need to be safe, seen, and free.
Connect
[email protected]
555-013-2026
123 Justice Way, Suite 200
Your City, ST 00000
© 2026 Youth Justice Initiative. All rights reserved.