Justice Services Strategy
Cultural Programming
Overview
The Cultural Programming Strategy is designed to address the unique needs of youth of color who are pre- and post-adjudicated or are court referred and disconnected TAY who have been charged, indicted or are on active probation. The Cultural Programming Strategy leverages culturally based approaches designed to reduce the chance of further involvement in the justice system through case management, mentorship, skill building opportunities, educational reengagement, access to resources, life skills workshops and other supports.
DCYF allocated $1,974,000 in annual funding to nine programs across nine agencies for the Cultural Programming Strategy.
Strategy Goals include:
To provide opportunities to engage in supportive, culturally based programming that improves resiliency and coping skills.
To provide activities that help develop skills, encourage the pursuit of positive future possibilities, offer outlets for positive communication and connect participants with adult allies.
To ensure participants have access to culturally informed services that meet their needs.
To support successful transitions for participants reentering the community.
To decrease the likelihood of participants progressing deeper into the juvenile or adult criminal justice system.