RISE for Youth is a nonpartisan organization committed to dismantling the youth prison model and ensuring every space that impacts a young person’s life encourages growth and success. RISE promotes the creation of healthy communities and community-based alternatives to youth incarceration. Our work centers youth and their communities who together, challenge and dismantle racial and social injustice in Virginia.
This framework reflects our commitment to transformative justice by outlining the interconnected strategies and outcomes necessary to create lasting change.
Grounded in community input and driven by the voices of impacted youth and families, our Theory of Change underscores the critical link between comprehensive youth support systems, policy advocacy, and equitable opportunities. By integrating these components, we as RISE for Youth envision a future where every young person has access to nurturing environments that prioritize growth, safety and empowerment.
The Application for our 2025 Youth Development Academy is LIVE!! Click HERE to apply!! RISE For Youth’s Annual Youth Development Academy actively works to decrease youth incarceration and reduce referrals of youth to the criminal legal system. The Academy aims to provide robust training, skill-building, and employment opportunities to youth who may not traditionally have access to such opportunities. By offering advocacy training, mentorship, community service, and internships, the Academy is building career paths for youth and helping to create healthier living environments for youth and their families. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of youth engaged in the legal system and empower youth to become strong advocates and community leaders.
In alignment with our mission to dismantle the youth prison model and invest in community driven solutions, we at RISE for Youth developed a Theory of Change to articulate the problem and a clear vision for achieving systemic reform and fostering hosistic youth development.
This framework reflects our commitment to transformative justice by outlining the interconnected strategies and outcomes necessary to create lasting change.
Grounded in community input and driven by the voices of impacted youth and families, our Theory of Change underscores the critical link between comprehensive youth support systems, policy advocacy, and equitable opportunities. By integrating these components, we as RISE for Youth envision a future where every young person has access to nurturing environments that prioritize growth, safety and empowerment.
Richmond, VA — RISE for Youth celebrates the passage of SB18 during the 2026 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, marking a major milestone in the effort to ensure elementary-aged children are not treated as
Reports cite staffing shortages, safety issues, and violations at Bon Air youth correctional facility
How does Virginia’s Juvenile Justice system impact health? Valerie Slater, Executive Director of RISE for Youth joined RHV to discuss the need to reform Virginia’s juvenile prisons.