To support this initiative, which will identify leaders from the faith community in Bridgeport to partner with three local schools and the Board of Education to address discipline policies that result in increased drop-out rates, truancy, suspensions and expulsions. In addition, this grant supports advocacy by the Council staff on such issues as youth justice, homeless youth, and the barriers faced by the formerly incarcerated.

To support the Council’s development of a Connecticut Faith-Based Youth Justice Coalition. The goal of this coalition is to leverage the immense potential of the interfaith community to galvanize youth justice reform. As such, the Council will work to spearhead a coalition of interfaith leaders who, as a dedicated group, will work to promote change through preaching, workshops, advocacy and engagement on both the local and state level.

To support the Council’s short-term shelter, counseling, mediation, and other services for youth ages 11 to 17 at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. The Janus Center evaluates and addresses the needs of youth and families and offers respite at host-home apartments to prevent larger problems, such as running away, homelessness or delinquency. Case managers provide mediation and counseling and link families to community services. The Janus Center also operates a 24-hour hotline and on-site crisis response services.