Youth Justice

Improving outcomes for D.C. youth involved in the juvenile justice, criminal, public school, and child welfare systems.

Building a better justice system for D.C.'s youth

We are passionate about providing D.C.’s children and young people with a more just future. Through innovative programs, advocacy, and collaborations, we strive to ensure that our youth are treated fairly in our legal systems and are given every opportunity to thrive.

From advocating for school-based services that address root causes of delinquent behavior, to promoting rehabilitation over punishment, CCE is dedicated to creating a system that supports the holistic growth and development of young people in the District.

15 x
Students of color in D.C. Public Schools are nearly 15 times more likely to be disciplined than white students.
49%
of justice-involved D.C. teens also have a history of neglect.

4 in 5

Only 4 in 5 youth in D.C. foster care have the necessary case plan in place.

94%

Black youth made up 94% of youth subjected to police stops and searches in 2022.

Featured & Notable Projects

Crossover Youth

We are working to improve how D.C. agencies address the unique needs of young people involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Guide to the D.C. Juvenile Justice System

This plain language guide was made to help young people, and their loved ones understand how D.C.'s juvenile justice system works.

Recent Youth Justice News

Learn more about our work by reading our most recent reports, papers, and recommendations.

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Youth Justice
Child Welfare
May 21, 2024

CCE and D.C. Auditor Release Report About Crossover Youth

CCE, in partnership with the Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA), released a report which finds that the District’s child welfare and delinquency systems are not meeting the needs of “crossover youth,” who are young people who have been involved with both systems. This new audit report, "A Broken Web: Improved Interagency Collaboration is Needed for D.C.’s Crossover Youth," underscores the need for enhanced collaboration and targeted interventions to improve outcomes for both the young people themselves and community safety. 
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Criminal Justice
Youth Justice
Race
July 18, 2023

New Report Highlights the Challenges and Innovations in D.C.'s Criminal Legal System in 2022

CCE's latest report, "D.C.'s Criminal Legal Systems Overview 2022" provides a summary of some of the most significant challenges and innovations faced by D.C.'s adult and youth criminal legal systems in 2022.
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Criminal Justice
Youth Justice
Race
May 25, 2022

New Report Highlights the Challenges and Innovations in D.C.'s Criminal Legal System in 2021

CCE's latest report, "D.C.'s Justice Systems Overview 2021" provides a summary of some of the most significant challenges and innovations faced by D.C.'s adult and youth criminal legal systems over the last year.
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This work is powered by the volunteers of our Youth Justice Committee.

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