SisterGirl Youth Diversion Program

Fact: Black adolescent girls WITHOUT appropriate HOUSING are twice as likely than any other race to enter the corrections system with minor offenses and be sentenced to prison.

SisterGirl Youth Diversion Program (SisterGirl) is a self-referral youth diversion program for adolescent females and those that identify as female. The purpose of the program is  to redirect youthful offenders from the justice system through programming, supervision, and supports. Our program focuses specifically on supporting minority girls that have the potential of incarceration. We want to “catch them early” and keep our minority girls in their communities. 

SisterGirl was created to increase the range and extent of experiences for youth in the correctional systems. We believe that for youth to be successful, youth need to have multiple supportive relationships with adults and peers, where they receive guidance, life skills and emotional support. They also need meaningful involvement in decision-making, leadership opportunities, and other practices that foster a sense of belonging. 

SisterGirl Youth Diversion Program combines community collaboration, recreational activities, leadership opportunities, skills trainings and consistent contact with a supportive adult and peer. Research has shown that programs with these characteristics promote feelings of competence and a connection to the community within the youth that they serve.