Designed To Provide Support, Access, & Solutions
About Us
The BGEA Juvenile Justice Work Group has sought to address this problem by building a wide network of community partners to address issues of the school-to-prison pipeline, school pushout, lack of trust in law enforcement, access to services, lack of mental health services, lack of trained professionals and a system disconnected from communities. We've established a network of more than 50 nonprofit groups and Allegheny County government agencies, focusing on youth impacted by economic, mental, social, and family challenges that might set off violent behavior.
Our
Story
In January 2023, the community-led initiative, Caring Connections for YOUth was launched!
Developed by the Black Girls Equity Alliance (BGEA), Caring Connections for YOUth provides access to supports and services to ANY YOUTH living in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA as a diversion to the Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Systems. This initiative aims to address the issues of the school-to-prison pipeline, school pushout, lack of trust in law enforcement, access to services, lack of mental health services, lack of trained professionals, and a system disconnected from communities.
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Our intended outcomes are to generate:
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An increase in access to pre-arrest services reduces the number of youth involved in systems
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A reduction in the number of juveniles referred to juvenile court, citations, and arrests
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A significant reduction in or complete elimination of racial disparities is seen in referrals to the Allegheny County juvenile justice system
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