Speakers: Jamila Cervantes, Just Detention International; Johana Ramirez, Sure Helpline Center; Yesenia Quevedo, VALOR
Rape crisis advocates around the country are increasingly providing confidential emotional support services to incarcerated adult survivors. Yet the overwhelming majority of incarcerated youth do not have access to such care. The need for services inside youth detention facilities is tremendous. About 90 percent of youth involved in the justice system have experienced serious, complex interpersonal trauma in their homes or communities. Many of these kids face more harm while in juvenile detention facilities, which are plagued by sexual and physical violence. Survivor advocates have a critically important role to play in keeping incarcerated youth safe and supporting their healing. This session will feature experts who are leading a national Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)-funded initiative aimed at building partnerships between survivor services agencies and youth detention facilities. It will explore innovative approaches to increasing access to services for incarcerated youth, such as using therapeutic art and mindfulness workshops to promote healing and raise awareness about the right to be free from sexual abuse. Additionally, advocates will explore strategies for supporting facility staff in implementing trauma-informed practices and communication.