From Prevention to Diversion: The Role of Afterschool in the Juvenile Justice System. Executive Summary

When youth are placed in detention facilities, their education, ties to society, and lives are disrupted. Yet any involvement with the justice system -- regardless of incarceration -- can have implications for one's future earning potential and career trajectory, limiting access to educational opportunities, career fields, and available supports. Afterschool and summer learning programs can mitigate risk and support the development of protective factors that help keep young people out of the juvenile justice system. This brief describes how afterschool can be an essential part of the work to support the young people at risk of becoming involved or currently involved with the juvenile justice system and help reframe and redirect their futures. [For the full report, "From Prevention to Diversion: The Role of Afterschool in the Juvenile Justice System. Issue Brief No. 76," see ED606195.]