Young New Yorkers: Early Diversion Grantee

In June 2017, Young New Yorkers was selected to receive funds under the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) in response to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s request for proposals for Early Diversion Programs for Young Adults and Adults.

With these funds, Young New Yorkers is providing an arts-based restorative justice intervention that engages young adults arrested in Lower Manhattan in taking responsibility for their actions through storytelling, utilizing video, photography, and collage. Participants may also be linked – if interested – to additional outside services

Young New Yorkers is one of three organizations to receive funds to create early diversion programs. These programs will provide participants with opportunities to avoid prosecution and an arrest record, while being held accountable in a community setting.

The investments under this initiative, along with the other initiatives being developed under CJII, form a comprehensive set of strategic investments that, together, will have a significant, lasting impact on public safety and justice reform in New York City.