Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that the Youth Justice Commission (YJC), in collaboration with the Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee, has awarded over $533,780 in grants to expand summer programs for at-risk youth across New Jersey. The funding aims to enhance existing programs and increase their capacity.
The grants offer up to $30,000 to organizations running successful summer initiatives for at-risk youth. This year, 21 organizations and government agencies from various counties received financial support.
“Giving young people access to new experiences and the opportunity to gain new skills helps pave the way toward better futures. It can also provide the kind of structure and support that have proven to reduce crime during summer breaks,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The Murphy Administration’s commitment to ensuring that New Jersey’s young people have the means to reach their potential is reflected in the funds announced today. And, I am grateful that the Youth Justice Commission remains able to invest in the most vulnerable of our young people.”
Funding comes from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention’s Title II Formula Grants Program, supporting state and local delinquency prevention efforts.
“Young people who have more access to learning and growth opportunities are more likely to have successful futures,” said Dr. Jennifer LeBaron, Executive Director of the Youth Justice Commission. “These grants allow our community partners to help reduce the likelihood of young people becoming involved in the youth justice system by offering positive and engaging opportunities during the summer months when school is out.”
Organizations selected through a competitive process include Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County, Capital Harmony Works, Inc., The Center for Prevention & Counseling, Inc., City of Camden, City of East Orange Department of Health and Human Services, Community Action Service Center, Garden State Equality, Girls, Inc., Glassboro Child Development Centers, Hamilton Area YMCA, Joseph Firth Youth Center, Lower Township Police Department, Maplewood Police Department, Middle Earth, Middle Township Police Department, Mighty Writers (North), Mighty Writers (South), New Community Corporation, Timbuk2 Academy, Trenton Police Department, and United Community Corporation.
Established in 1995 as the Juvenile Justice Commission, YJC serves as a centralized agency for planning and policy development within New Jersey’s youth justice system. Its responsibilities include providing care and rehabilitative services for court-committed youth and supporting local prevention efforts.
