Many organizations, including those outside the faith-based sector, recognize the important role faith communities play in addressing complex social issues through deep local relationships and community trust.
This section introduces a framework for understanding juvenile justice and identifying pathways for engagement. It connects foundational knowledge about the system (Heads), theological reflection (Hearts), and practical forms of participation (Hands).
The Opportunity
Integration of Heads, Hearts, and Hands
Juvenile justice refers to the state and local court-based systems “whose purpose is to respond to young people who come into contact with law enforcement and are accused of breaking the law” (Annie E. Casey Foundation). Juvenile justice includes both formal court processes as well as informal processing of youth complaints through diversion.
CPJ’s brief, Evidence-Based Practices in Juvenile Justice Reform: A Practical Application of Theological Framework, provides further analysis of well-researched approaches to juvenile justice reform.
The following resources offer additional context on the juvenile justice system:
This brief presents one theological framework for engaging juvenile justice as a matter of public justice and civic responsibility. It reflects CPJ’s understanding of the role of government and the distinct responsibilities of institutions within a pluralistic society.
It is intended to support reflection, dialogue, and deeper grounding for Christian engagement in juvenile justice issues.
Many organizations working in juvenile justice—both faith-based and non-faith-based—rely on volunteers, donors, and community partnerships. Faith communities are often key partners in sustaining this work.
The following sections outline practical pathways for engagement through churches and faith-based organizations.
Pathways of Engagement
For Faith Leaders and Congregations
Educating congregations and networks is a foundational form of engagement. This can take place informally (Bible studies, small groups) or formally (Sunday services, missions presentations).
Storytelling can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, but it must be done responsibly to avoid harm to justice-involved youth. The National Juvenile Justice Network provides guidance for ethical storytelling, including:
Many organizations working in juvenile justice emphasize the importance of structured church partnerships. One common model is the formation of volunteer teams or “task forces” within congregations to support sustained engagement.
For example, DC127 has developed structured church partnership models centered on training, mentorship, and shared responsibility.
Hear from Chrissy Weeks, Executive Director of DC127, on the role of church partnerships in sustaining this work.
When DC127 began as an organization, the focus was on rallying the Church in DC around the call to “care for orphans and widows in their distress” by encouraging church members to prayerfully consider becoming a licensed foster home in DC. Ritu Atwal, then program manager for the Child and Family Services’ family resource division, called DC127 the first large-scale effort of its kind in the city and highlighted the need to “get more foster parents in the District that will be able to take our children. They go through a lot of trauma already. If you can keep them in the same school district, the same church, …although they’re leaving their biological homes, they’re not removed from their communities” (Washington Post, 2013).
As the list of DC foster homes grew, we began to work upstream to prevent the need for family separations in the first place. In 2018, DC127 established a foster care prevention partnership with CFSA, known today as our Communities for Families program. That same year, we formalized the structure of our Church Mobilization program by establishing partnership agreements and recruiting Church Advocates — lay leaders who serve as a bridge between their church and DC127. These advocates help their congregations live out their calling to serve vulnerable children and families by actively advancing DC127’s mission within their church community.
After partnering with churches for a number of years, we designed a “Tiers of Church Engagement” framework to provide clear, accessible on-ramps for churches to participate in our mission at a level that fits their capacity, readiness, and calling. Not every church is able to engage in the same way or at the same pace, and this structure allows us to meet congregations where they are while offering a pathway for deeper involvement over time. By outlining distinct levels of engagement, we create clarity, set shared expectations, and ensure that each partnership is both meaningful and sustainable, ultimately strengthening our collective ability to support children and families impacted by the foster care system.
DC127 hopes to see the Church work together, across denominations and geography, for the sake of justice and good of our city. Through the power and participation of the body of Christ, we long to be a city where more families are ready to welcome children than there are children waiting for a home.
Pathways of Engagement
For Faith-Based Organizations
Local coalitions and task forces often seek broader representation, including perspectives from faith communities.
For example, the Maryland Youth Justice Coalition brings together organizations focused on preventing system involvement and improving outcomes for youth. Faith-based organizations such as the Maryland Catholic Conference and Bridge Maryland contribute to this work by offering community-based insight and engagement capacity.
Effective engagement strategies often include direct, relational approaches such as:
Rev. Carrie Leader, COO of Houston reVision, describes their approach:
“Two things have been key to our success in partnering with churches and other curious individuals who feel they might want to participate in the work: demystifying our population and explaining the school-to-prison pipeline. Our strategy is to invite, without obligation, anyone who wants to learn more about us at an hour-long orientation presentation. These often happen immediately after a worship service, and we serve food. On the following Sunday, in that same timeframe, we offer mentor training for those who are serious about moving forward. Background checks, scenarios, active listening and processes are all covered. Because this is solitary work that we don’t do alone, we encourage the faith communities to develop a cohort that can act like a support group. Since everyone in the group is cleared and trained, they can discuss their challenges and highlights with one another. This is best done with a leader who can tie it to the spiritual growth that also happens. In Christianity, we often say we are doing Gospel work.”
Why the Church?
DC127 believes the local Church is God’s primary means for justice and transformation in the world and in the lives of individuals. Not only is the Church commanded to “care for the widow and orphan in their distress” as part of its mission, the Church is uniquely equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to share both the love and tangible support that exists within the family of God.
Partnering with churches is strategic because strong, caring communities already exist within them and we are called to extend that love to the most vulnerable in our city. Many of the families that are connected with DC127 lack consistent, healthy support systems, but the body of Christ is uniquely positioned to provide a lasting, transformative community for children and families impacted by the foster care system.
Partnership Philosophy
Our church partnerships are guided by a collaborative and empowering philosophy:
DC127’s Role in Church Partnerships
We serve as a bridge between churches and the child welfare community, equipping churches to engage effectively and responsibly.
What We Ask of Our Church Partners
While each church engages in a way that reflects its context, we invite partners into a shared commitment:
Outcomes & Impact
Through strong church partnerships, we aim to see:
Conclusion
Our vision is a city where every child is known, loved, and supported, not just by a family, but through a committed community. The local church plays a vital role in making that vision a reality. DC127 is committed to walking alongside churches as they live out this calling, equipping them to be a consistent and transformative presence in the lives of children and families impacted by foster care across Washington, DC.