An initiative at the Juvenile Detention Center is focusing on family connections as a key part of youth rehabilitation. The Family Dinner program allows detained youths to share a meal with their families, aiming to reinforce relationships and provide emotional support during their time in detention.
“Some of these youths have been away from their families for over a year,” said Aundrea Newman, juvenile probation division manager. “We understand the importance of family connections, and we also wanted to provide an incentive for youth who display good behavior and serve as role models in the facility.”
Participation in the program is based on achievement within the center’s behavior management system. Youth must reach blue polo status and accumulate 1,000 pillars at that level—a process that typically takes more than 80 days. Since its launch in 2024, over 30 youths have joined the dinners, which can include parents and siblings.
Newman shared one experience: “In one juvenile’s case, he requested to have his younger sister visit. He had not seen her since being detained and was not likely to see her for several years more. When the family entered the room, they greeted each other with a huge embrace. As they began eating and talking, you could see and sense the joy and love between them. Once the family left, the juvenile was completely overcome with emotion and cried for several minutes. The tears were a mixture of sadness but also gratitude.”
According to Newman, such programs help reduce incidents within the facility by encouraging positive behaviors among participants. She explained that creating opportunities for prosocial activities contributes to safety for both staff and youth while fostering personal growth.
“All of the youth in Detention will eventually return to the community,” said Newman. “We want to do our part to ensure that we provide avenues for regular communication with their families,” said Newman. “Programs like this not only provide that opportunity but also give youth a clear goal to work toward, rewarding them for making positive choices.”
