A Groundbreaking Juvenile Justice Roundtable for Empowerment and Change

This February, CV’s Sanctuary, a shelter for runaway and homeless teens, hosted a Juvenile Justice Roundtable, bringing together young people and law enforcement for an open discussion on understanding, empowerment, and community change. The event aimed to bridge the gap between youth and police by fostering dialogue, addressing misconceptions, and providing tools to navigate encounters with law enforcement.

Participants included youth from the shelter, staff, and representatives from local law enforcement agencies such as the White Plains Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, and the New York State Probation Office. Discussions focused on reducing stigma, educating youth on risky behaviors, and empowering them in interactions with law enforcement.

A lead organizer from CV, shared, “We’ve seen an increase in youth referrals from law enforcement, and staff felt frustrated. We wanted a space where young people could openly share experiences and hear from officers in a meaningful way.”

One powerful moment came when a young girl, initially vocal about her distrust of police, expressed her frustrations. Officers listened, validated her experiences, and engaged in a meaningful conversation, shifting her perspective. “She walked away with a new outlook,” noted Sarah Lonergan-Rothschild, Program Director of Shelter Services at The Sanctuary.

Moving forward, The Sanctuary plans to expand these conversations, strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, and enhance early intervention efforts in schools and community programs. “This is about prevention and meeting families where they are,” Sarah explained. “By building relationships and trust, we can help young people make safer choices and create lasting change.”