About Youth Justice Institute
Mission
The mission of the Youth Justice Institute is to ensure youth in the juvenile justice system receive treatment that is responsive to their individual needs and nurtures their unique strengths.
Vision
We believe every youth has the right to dignity, humanity and justice. We will reform and advance the juvenile justice system through direct services, research, documentation, and by constantly sharing the best and most promising practices. We want the system to respond to the needs of the youth and their family. Through our work, the system-involved youths will be able to transition into healthy adults.
Outcomes
The success of our model rests on our ability to advocate for the individual needs of system-involved youths. We help the system assess each youth as an individual. YJI evaluates the vast needs of each young person and then links them to continued case management, therapy, mentoring, or other appropriate programs in their community.
Many of these youths are distanced from their families, failing in school, witnessing violence in their families and communities, or being exploited on the streets. They need advocates as well as accountability within the juvenile justice system. Our results show that providing a safe environment, connecting them with a caring and trusted adult, helping them to develop critical skills and providing opportunities for empowerment increases positive outcomes and supports them to make great changes in their lives.