Community.
Connection.
Resilience.
Building Pathways to Possibility Beyond Juvenile Justice
For Youth and Their Families
Community.
Learn about our community-building circles and responsive restorative practices.
Connection.
Learn about teens who are changing their communities for the better.
Resilience.
Learn about how we support teens navigating the juvenile justice system.
Get Involved!
We offer customized trainings for youth, community stakeholders, and partner organizations.
Who We Are
Restorative solutions that keep youth connected to school, family, and community — and out of the justice system.
The Jacksonville Center for Children’s Rights (CCR) partners with youth, schools, healthcare providers, and community leaders to deliver restorative practices, youth leadership development, and individualized resilience support that strengthen belonging, reduce conflict, and improve long-term outcomes for young people in Northeast Florida.
Why this Work Matters
In Jacksonville, many youth — particularly those exposed to persistent stress, school exclusion, or system involvement — face escalating pathways into discipline, disengagement, and justice involvement.
Punitive responses often deepen harm.
Restorative responses rebuild connection.
CCR works at the intersection of education, juvenile justice diversion, and community health to create relational alternatives that prevent escalation and promote resilience.
We do this by building the relational infrastructure young people need to thrive.
Impact at a Glance
CCR measures outcomes using validated resilience and belonging frameworks. Recent program data demonstrates:
- Increased youth-reported belonging and emotional regulation
- Reduction in school-based conflict among participating students
- Successful school re-enrollment for youth returning from detention, commitment, or alternative school
- Youth dialogue with adult leaders
Our work shifts systems from punishment-centered responses to relationship-centered accountability.
How We are Different
CCR is both a direct service provider and a backbone partner.
We:
- Deliver services directly to youth and families
- Train educators and partners in restorative practices
- Collaborate across healthcare, education, and justice systems
- Align community efforts to prevent youth system escalation
This dual role allows CCR to influence both individual outcomes and institutional practice.
Our Approach
We believe:
- Belonging is protective.
- Relationships are preventive.
- Youth voice strengthens systems.
- Accountability can be healing rather than harmful.
Our work is grounded in restorative practice, trauma-informed care, and youth participatory leadership.
Who We Support
CCR primarily serves:
- Adolescents impacted by school exclusion or justice involvement
- Youth returning from juvenile detention or commitment programs
- Students in alternative or high-need school settings
- Youth seeking leadership and civic engagement opportunities
We partner with public schools, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and local funders to expand access and sustainability.
What We Do
Restorative Circles & Community Conferences
We facilitate structured restorative circles in schools and community sites that:
- Build trust and belonging
- Reduce conflict and fighting
- Strengthen peer accountability
- Provide alternatives to suspension and arrest
Circles are used proactively for community building and responsively when conflict occurs.
Individualized Resilience Navigation & Re-Entry Support
For youth returning from commitment programs or navigating complex systems, CCR provides one-on-one support to:
- Build resilience promoting and conflict resolution skills
- Access community resources
- Rebuild positive adult relationships
- Develop education and career pathways
Our navigators provide consistent relational support during critical transition periods.
Youth Leadership & Systems Change
CCR prepares youth to participate meaningfully in decision-making spaces, including:
- School leadership structures
- Community advisory boards
- Systems of Care governance
- Youth-led research and policy conversations
Youth are not just program participants — they are co-designers and civic contributors.
Get Involved
Invest in Relational Infrastructure
Sustainable youth well-being requires more than programs — it requires systems change.
CCR builds the relational conditions that prevent escalation, reduce conflict, and expand opportunity for young people across Jacksonville.
Your partnership helps scale restorative solutions that strengthen both youth and the systems that serve them.
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Join our efforts to disrupt the pipeline to prison for teens and youth. Receive updates on training, events, and opportunities to get involved.
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