Youth enter the juvenile justice system often for minor offenses. Something is unraveling in their personal lives, such as running away from an abusive home or coping with their parents’ divorce. But formally processing these youth in the justice system can lead to an increase in negative behaviors.

In this episode, Scott Peterson, CEO of Global Youth Justice, speaks with us about his own experience working with troubled youth through implementing and improving youth diversion programs. He  shares with us how the prosecutorial community has been helpful in assisting the youth. District attorneys are often the catalyst for implementing these programs in their local communities in the first place.

Global Youth Justice is a nonprofit that champions more than 1,800 youth-led and volunteer-driven youth diversion programs. Having implemented programs on five continents, Global Youth Justice is the most replicated juvenile justice and youth justice program around the globe. To get involved, visit https://www.globalyouthjustice.org/get-involved/

LINKS:

• Scott Peterson, CEO of Global Youth Justice
• Global Youth Justice
• Local programs by state
• Additional resources from Global Youth Justice