8/21/26-Invest in Youth Before They Enter the System

As a formerly incarcerated young person, this is a question I often find myself asking. When I was struggling as a teenager, I was not connected to diversion programs, mentorship opportunities, or community resources designed to help young people navigate challenges before they became life-altering. Like many youth, support came only after I became involved in the system. By then, the damage had already been done.

Too often, our approach to youth justice focuses on intervention after a young person has entered the system rather than prevention before they ever encounter it. If we truly want safer communities and better outcomes for young people, we must invest in diversion programs, mentorship, mental health services, and youth development opportunities that address young people’s needs before they become system involved.

Many young people who enter the juvenile justice system are not inherently bad or dangerous. They are often navigating trauma, poverty, unstable housing, family challenges, or a lack of positive opportunities. Instead of addressing these root causes, society frequently responds with punishment. By investing in prevention, we can provide young people with the support they need before a mistake becomes a court case.

Young people also need positive outlets where they can build confidence, develop skills, and find a sense of belonging. Sports programs, arts initiatives, leadership fellowships, mentorship opportunities, and community centers can provide the guidance and support that many youth are missing. These spaces not only help young people grow but also strengthen communities by creating pathways to success rather than pathways into the justice system.

As someone who has experienced incarceration and now advocates for youth justice reform, I know that those closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. Young people with lived experience understand what resources are missing and what support could have changed their trajectory. Their voices should be included in policy discussions and decision-making processes.

The good news is that we already know what works. Prevention, mentorship, and community investment create opportunities for young people to thrive. Now it is up to all of us to act. Community members can support local youth programs, educators can advocate for resources, and policymakers can invest in legislation that prioritizes prevention over punishment. Most importantly, we must create opportunities for young people to share their stories and lead the change they want to see.

No young person should have to enter the justice system before someone believes in their potential. If we want safer communities and brighter futures, we must invest in youth before they ever encounter the system.