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Juvenile Justice Resource Hub

What is Juvenile Justice?

In recent years, fewer young people have been involved in crime or the juvenile justice system. This progress is largely due to programs that focus on prevention, guidance, and accountability rather than punishment alone.

Extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this rehabilitative approach and has shaped best practices in juvenile justice reform. Furthermore, a theological framework provides a deeper vision for Christians to understand juvenile justice issues and motivation to engage in this work. Recent federal legislation stands in contrast to evidence-based practices and presents an opportunity for Christians to support practices and policies that align with both research and faith convictions.

 

Who Is This Resource For?

This resource exists to equip faith-based organizations, faith leaders, and clergy for greater engagement and capacity building in the juvenile justice sphere.

 

Resource Background

This resource hub was developed following a December 2024 listening session with leaders from faith-based organizations not yet actively engaged in youth and juvenile justice work, but interested in doing so. The session explored barriers to engagement, with many participants identifying a lack of accessible resources—particularly around funding opportunities and where to begin—as a primary challenge.


To better understand the funding landscape for faith-based organizations, CPJ conducted informal interviews with organizations from November 2025 through March 2026. These insights, combined with CPJ staff expertise, informed the development of this resource hub.


This hub is designed to help faith-based organizations navigate pathways into juvenile justice engagement, with particular attention to identifying funding opportunities, approaching foundations, and understanding the grant-seeking process.

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The Center for Public Justice (CPJ) is a nonpartisan, Christian civic education and policy organization based in Alexandria, Virginia. CPJ’s mission is to serve God by equipping citizens, developing leaders, and shaping policy to advance justice for the transformation of public life.


CPJ takes a comprehensive approach to public policy, including criminal and juvenile justice reform, and affirms the important role that faith-based organizations and houses of worship play in this work. Through this and related initiatives, CPJ seeks to equip these institutions to engage meaningfully in advancing juvenile justice in their communities.

Pathways of Engagement

Approaching Funding Sources

Organization Spotlights

Juvenile Justice: A Christian and Family Supportive Policy Issue

Evidence-Based Practices in Juvenile Justice: Practical Application of Theological Framework

Juvenile Justice Policy in Congress: Implications for Youth in D.C. and Beyond

“We Are Talking About Children”

Overworked Public Defenders and Youth Access to Justice
By Acacia Tripplett

Irredeemable?

Why Juvenile Justice Without Parole Fails Our Youth
By Kayin Robbins

Bodies That Matter

Improving Pediatric Health Care Among the Incarcerated
By Orli Strickman

Death by Incarceration

Rethinking How America Treats Its Youngest Offenders
By Indira Neufville

What Grace Demands

A Case Against the D.C. CRIMES Act
By Aiden Magee

For I Was in Prison and You Visited Me

Chaplaincy in Juvenile Justice
By Anastasia Lau

From Foster Care to Prison to Wheaton: Part One

Dionntai Holyfield’s Story
By Naomi Thompson

From Foster Care to Prison to Wheaton: Part Two

Dionntai Holyfield on Juvenile Justice and Christian Engagement
By Naomi Thompson

No Child Beyond Hope

How Government and Civil Society Can Work Together in Juvenile Justice
By Keira Konson

When Language Becomes Policy

Youth Crime and the Power of Words
By Mary Lauren Veazey and Rosalind Niemeier

This resource hub was made possible with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation

Neighborhood Allies Receives $50,000 from Annie E. Casey Foundation to Support Fund My Future - Neighborhood Allies

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