A new restorative justice program for youth has scored some success but continues to grapple with layered challenges around juvenile offenses in Arlington, leaders say.
“What stands out most is the complexity of needs among the young people we serve,” said Devanshi Patel, CEO of the nonprofit Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA).
This week, the organization detailed its 2024 efforts for youth ages 10-19, work that is done in partnership with the Arlington County Police Department, Arlington Public Schools, courts and other entities.
Since the program’s inception in August 2023, over 70 juveniles have participated, Police Chief Andy Penn said at a budget work session earlier this year.
“To date, zero have been returned for non-compliance with this program,” he said.
CFYA’s initiatives involve two main components: the PEER (Promoting Empathy through Equitable Resolution) program and Youth Peer Court. Youth are eligible for diversion efforts for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses.
In 2024, the most common cases were larcenies (33%), followed by assaults (28%), possession of unlawful substances (17%) and trespassing (9%).
Nearly two-thirds of participants were between ages 13 and 15 that year. About 60% of those who took part in the program last year were female.
“While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, there are likely multiple factors contributing to the higher number of referrals involving young girls,” Patel told ARLnow.
“This is exactly why breaking down the data by different characteristics is so important,” she said. “Understanding who is being referred and why is essential to making sure our approach meets the actual needs of the youth we serve.”
ACPD signed a memorandum of understanding with CYFA to participate in the effort in mid-2023. APS joined the consortium of partners in 2024.
Patel said youth in the program build bonds with facilitators.
“As trust builds, we consistently uncover deeper and often compounding challenges, which creates opportunities to support not only the referred youth but their entire family. What we know is that young people are carrying heavy burdens. They are coming of age in a post-pandemic world that has not erased existing stressors. It has intensified them in ways we are still trying to fully understand. The data reaffirms what we have always known: meaningful intervention must be holistic, trauma-informed and rooted in strong, coordinated care.”
Police leaders say the programs are effective tools for the department’s overall efforts focused on youth.
The partnership “allows our officers to connect with youth in a way that builds trust, reduces harm and strengthens community safety,” said Deputy Chief Wayne Vincent.
Photo via CYFA/X
