Justice Department and AmeriCorps Join Forces to Empower Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth

In a collaborative effort aimed at transforming the lives of justice-involved youth, the Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has announced a significant grant of $2.5 million to AmeriCorps. This grant is poised to fund crucial service activities tailored to offer a second chance to young individuals who have faced encounters with the juvenile justice system. Together, OJJDP and AmeriCorps are addressing the multifaceted challenges that these youth encounter upon reentering their communities after being in juvenile residential or correctional facilities.

“The partnership between the Justice Department and AmeriCorps is rooted in the belief that together we will positively impact the lives of justice-involved youth by offering support, guidance, and resources to help these young people overcome obstacles and successfully contribute to their communities,” expressed Amy L. Solomon, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

As per statistics, nearly 25,000 youth in the United States are held in residential placements. These young individuals, when returning to their families and communities, often face formidable barriers, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, which consequently heighten their risk of recidivism. The collaborative efforts between OJJDP and AmeriCorps are geared towards enhancing the welfare of the nation’s youth, broadening their horizons, and equipping them with the necessary tools to transition smoothly back into their communities.

“We are proud to partner with AmeriCorps to expand services to justice-involved youth and engage them so they can make a real difference in their communities,” emphasized Liz Ryan, OJJDP Administrator. “This partnership will not only improve outcomes for youth but will improve public safety.”

AmeriCorps, renowned as the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, is all set to leverage this funding by providing grants to community-based programs. These grants will be instrumental in enhancing and expanding reentry services for youth, with a unique approach that includes engaging these young individuals as AmeriCorps members.

“I am thrilled to partner with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to ensure all youth have a fair and just opportunity to serve and be served,” voiced Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps. “This partnership will provide us with opportunities, opportunities to connect with young people who risk falling through the cracks of our society, opportunities to welcome more people into AmeriCorps from different backgrounds, and opportunities to bolster organizations with resources and know-how to support second-chance youth.”

This collaborative endeavor aligns seamlessly with OJJDP’s priority of opening up possibilities for young people who come into contact with the justice system. It also stands as a testament to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) unwavering mission to reduce recidivism and enhance outcomes for youth who return to their communities following periods of confinement. The partnership between OJJDP and AmeriCorps signifies a beacon of hope, offering a brighter future for justice-involved youth and a safer, more inclusive society for us all.