Tell City Leaders: Invest in Supports for Justice-Involved Youth

Young people in New York have made clear that their vision of community safety requires access to holistic support – not further criminalization.

Investing in alternatives to incarceration (ATI) programs and supports for youth creates opportunities and make our communities safer. Research shows the positive impacts of ATI and reentry programs, including lowering recidivism and crime. Moreover, studies estimate between $3.46-$5.54 in returns for every dollar invested in ATI programs, in addition to reduced costs for the criminal justice system and better community health outcomes.

Despite the well-established benefits of these programs, since 2023, the City Administration has cut millions from programs funded by the Department of Probation proven to support young people by connecting them to mentorship and services. Failing to provide robust reentry services or supportive probation programs will harm youth and is counterproductive to building safe communities.

The New York City Youth Justice Coalition has laid out a robust list of investments needed to support youth and communities. Please use this one-minute Take Action tool to urge city leaders to invest in critical programs for New York City’s youth.