JustUs is a gender-responsive diversion program for girls and LGBTQ+ young people who are either involved, or at high risk of involvement, in the juvenile legal system. Our highly skilled team works with young people and their chosen support system to create and follow through with an individualized, holistic plan aimed at helping them thrive. We center the lived experiences of the young people we support, focus on their healing, and provide financial incentives to participate. We both work with young people on a one-on-one basis and work to create space where young people can come together to build community.
After a young person is referred, our Intake Coordinator will reach out to them within 48 hours. Over 3-6 intake sessions, the young person can ask questions and decide how they would like to proceed.
Once part of the JustUs program, services offered include: therapy sessions; money management and financial literacy training; career readiness workshops; and weekly drop-in group sessions. Program participants also have the opportunity to apply for paid internships and to join a three-month self and community exploration cohort or a six-month activism and organizing cohort.