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Moving in the Right Direction

An Opportunity to Succeed

After an altercation with a schoolmate, 16-year-old Jhanae Burnett was arrested and sentenced to probation. Living in the south suburbs of Minneapolis, her options for fulfilling the requirements of her probation were limited. Fortunately for Jhanae, her case was transferred to a county that allowed her to participate in a diversion program offered by YMCA Twin Cities.

Through the YMCA Twin Cities’ Youth Intervention Services, Jhanae connected with a youth support specialist who worked to help her receive education support and assistance in obtaining housing and employment. After completing her probation, Jhanae stayed in touch with her specialist and the YMCA—becoming an advocate for community-based services that help young Americans in trouble with the law find a better path forward.

Today, Jhanae attends classes at Minneapolis Community Technical College and plans to transfer to the University of Minnesota to study nursing. She continues to use her voice to help young people who are on the wrong path realize the opportunities available to them.

While Jhanae’s experience in the juvenile justice system helped her gain the skills and experience she needed to be successful in life, many at-risk youth are not as lucky. That’s why the House passed the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act (H.R. 5963). Introduced by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), the bipartisan bill will help state and local leaders better ensure all young people have the same opportunities to succeed—no matter their circumstances or past mistakes.

The legislation includes reforms to set young Americans up for long-term success, support prevention services, and prioritize evidence-based strategies with proven track records. H.R. 5963 also improves accountability and oversight—delivering positive outcomes for kids while protecting taxpayers.

As the country recognizes National Youth Justice Awareness Month, members of the Committee on Education and the Workforce will continue working to provide real solutions that offer A Better Way for vulnerable youth and ensure more Americans have opportunities to succeed.

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