Our BRIDGES Program
HISTORY
In 2015 the Juvenile Behavioral Diversion Program (JBDP)/Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) program was established at CASA DC to expand CASA volunteer's services and volunteer model to serve court-involved youth referred from the juvenile justice system for delinquency or status offenses. In 2018 CASA DC began focusing efforts on learning more about the juvenile justice system in DC, and evaluating cases in the JBDP/PINS program, and CASA’s programs at large. We found that many foster youth referred to CASA DC were involved in the juvenile justice system, but their needs were not met with our current model anD the JBDP/PINS program had grown far beyond its original concept. CASA DC focused on providing more training to all advocates and staff working with youth coming into contact with the juvenile justice system, advocating for the particular issues those youth may be facing, and building relationships with our strategic partners, such as Court Social Services, Public Defender Services, and Office of Attorney General.
YOUTH SERVED
The BRIDGES program provides CASA volunteers to court-involved youth in DC who have encountered the juvenile justice system from ages 11-21.
PROGRAM GOALS
The aim of the BRIDGES Program is to do everything in our power to prevent youth from becoming multi-system involved, decrease instances of recidivism, and to promote diversion opportunities. Most importantly, the aim of the program is to empower court-involved youth to build BRIDGES – to Be Resilient, be Individuals, be Determined, be Great, be Educated, and be Safe.
PROGRAM IMPACT
In 2024, the BRIDGES Program served 132 youth, with 61% not reoffending within 12 months of program involvement. 85% of these youth showed improved problem solving abilities while 82% improved their academic engagement. Over 81% indicated they felt hopeful or positive about their future with 93% having a healthy relationship with a trusted adult in their life.
ADVOCATE PREREQUISITES
Volunteers are required to complete an additional 6 hour training within 30 days of beginning work with a justice-impacted young person. These trainings are offered monthly and focus on understanding the juvenile justice system, services available to youth, and advocacy in the justice system with a special focus on trauma-informed care.