“It's easy to get into trouble, but it's hard to get out.” Boy – Age 13

Jumpstart is a diversion program providing educational workshops in a support group setting with volunteer facilitators trained to address the needs of at-risk youth.

Since the program began in 1994, the court has eagerly assigned youth, and as a result of local and national trends toward restorative justice, the program is handling an ever-increasing number of cases. Staff and volunteers respond to this need by providing meaningful workshops which encourage the development of pro-social behavior and self-esteem, with workshop content continually evaluated for its effectiveness by staff, volunteers, and youth participants.

Jumpstart provides three primary workshops in Caddo and Bossier Parishes for diverted and adjudicated youth depending on the offense and particular needs of the child. These workshops include: Stamp Out Shoplifting (SOS), Violence Prevention (VP), and Power of Choice (POC).

With the national average of juvenile repeat offense rate at 34%, yearly evaluations consistently reveal less than 5% of Jumpstart participants commit a further offense after successful completion of the program.

What would you tell others to help them avoid making the same mistakes you've made?

“One mistake could be your last.” Boy – Age 16

“Think before you act and be conscious of yourself and others before you do something that could change your life forever.” Girl – Age 15

“With shoplifting... the risk is not worth the reward...” Girl – Age 16

“If you want to be successful and reach your goals, you can't go on fighting. Some things you're just going to have to let go of.” Boy – Age 16

“As a teenager, a lot of times you feel invincible, but the truth is you aren't and there will be negative consequences for your negative actions.” Boy – Age 15