New Rochelle program aims to reduce youth involvement in the criminal legal system
The New Rochelle Community Justice Center (NRCJC), working in partnership with the Center for Justice Innovation and Columbia University’s Center for Justice, has launched of the Justice Ambassadors Youth Council, a fellowship program designed to reduce youth involvement in the criminal legal system by bridging pathways to higher education, breaking down racial and ethnic boundaries and contributing to healthy adolescent development.
The Justice Ambassadors Youth Council will bring together local government executives and young adults 18-25 years old that come from economically disadvantaged or legal system impacted backgrounds, to co-develop policy proposals intended to address community challenges and advance justice system reform.
The groups will work collaboratively over a nine-month period to build out a set of restorative justice-based policy recommendations that the City of New Rochelle can work towards implementing. Throughout the paid fellowship, cohorts will meet twice a week for seminars and site visits to government agencies, community organizations and local businesses to learn about opportunities, services or programs.
“The Justice Youth Ambassadors program marks the next chapter in the growth of the New Rochelle Community Justice Center and its Opportunity Youth Part initiative,” said Kathleen Gill, city manager of New Rochelle. “The introduction of this new program is a testament to our city’s commitment to fostering positive change and underscores our dedication to building a community that embraces restorative justice principles, empowers our youth, and cultivates a future where every individual can contribute meaningfully to our society. New Rochelle is proud to be a hub of innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of justice and opportunity for all.”