Youth Justice

Improving outcomes for D.C. youth involved in the juvenile justice, criminal, public school, and child welfare systems.

Building a better justice system for D.C.'s youth

We are passionate about providing D.C.’s children and young people with a more just future. Through innovative programs, advocacy, and collaborations, we strive to ensure that our youth are treated fairly in our legal systems and are given every opportunity to thrive.

From advocating for school-based services that address root causes of delinquent behavior, to promoting rehabilitation over punishment, CCE is dedicated to creating a system that supports the holistic growth and development of young people in the District.

15 x
Students of color in D.C. Public Schools are nearly 15 times more likely to be disciplined than white students.
49%
of justice-involved D.C. teens also have a history of neglect.

4 in 5

Only 4 in 5 youth in D.C. foster care have the necessary case plan in place.

94%

Black youth made up 94% of youth subjected to police stops and searches in 2022.

Featured & Notable Projects

Crossover Youth

We are working to improve how D.C. agencies address the unique needs of young people involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Guide to the D.C. Juvenile Justice System

This plain language guide was made to help young people, and their loved ones understand how D.C.'s juvenile justice system works.

Recent Youth Justice News

Learn more about our work by reading our most recent reports, papers, and recommendations.

View all
View all
Courts
Featured
Criminal Justice
Race
Reentry
August 12, 2025

Statement by the Council for Court Excellence on Federal Executed and Threatened Actions

CCE issued a statement on August 12, 2025 in response to statements and actions by the President and other federal officials regarding law enforcement, local courts, the criminal legal system, and the youth justice systems in Washington, DC.
Read more
Criminal Justice
Featured
Jails & Prisons
Reentry
Youth Justice
September 23, 2024

CCE Releases "Is D.C. More Secure? A Criminal Legal System Overview"

On September 23, 2024, CCE released "Is D.C. More Secure? A Criminal Legal System Overview", which provides up-to-date data on many key aspects of D.C.’s criminal legal system. The report gives particular focus to parts of the legal system that may be impacted in the months and years ahead by provisions of the SECURE D.C. legislation passed in early 2024.
Read more
Youth Justice
Child Welfare
May 21, 2024

CCE and D.C. Auditor Release Report About Crossover Youth

CCE, in partnership with the Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA), released a report which finds that the District’s child welfare and delinquency systems are not meeting the needs of “crossover youth,” who are young people who have been involved with both systems. This new audit report, "A Broken Web: Improved Interagency Collaboration is Needed for D.C.’s Crossover Youth," underscores the need for enhanced collaboration and targeted interventions to improve outcomes for both the young people themselves and community safety. 
Read more

This work is powered by the volunteers of our Youth Justice Committee.

Sign up now to be a volunteer.

VolunteerDonate

Stay in the Know with Our Quarterly Newsletter

Receive updates, event invitations, information about new publications, and more.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree to receive our newsletter alerts.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.