The one-of-a-kind Justice Ambassadors Youth Council (JAYC) brings criminal legal system impacted youth, from New York City’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods, together with government executives to address New York’s most challenging community issues
The one-of-a-kind Justice Ambassadors Youth Council (JAYC) brings criminal legal system impacted youth, from New York City’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods, together with government executives to address New York’s most challenging community issues surrounding mass incarceration; including poverty and gun violence. The graduation ceremony for the program on Tuesday, December 12 at the Forum at Columbia University commemorated the innovative policy proposals co-developed by youth and government executives dating back to the cohort launch in September.
Members of current and past Justice Ambassadors cohorts presented their culminating policy projects that were designed after spending eight weeks of classes between the youth and officials. Many of the jointly authored proposals have been implemented including Project Restore, a year-long life skills training and career readiness program that features restorative justice, employment and intensive case management and life coaching for street-involved young adults. Project Restore is a multi-partner program sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and in partnership with Bridgestreet Development Corporation, Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Inside Circle and the Center for Justice at Columbia University.
“Youth advocacy is crucial to the city’s investment in public safety. Initiatives like the Justice Ambassadors Youth Council epitomize our city’s commitment to engaging street- and justice-involved young adults with resources to become effective advocates for violence prevention,” said Deanna Logan, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. “Youth are experts at measuring the effectiveness of key systems that impact their lives. We are grateful for opportunities to connect them with policymakers to address challenges with crime by designing programs like Project Restore to provide comprehensive support services.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the 6th cohort of JAYC!
