“We were once products of a flawed system, but now we are advocates for its transformation.”
Juvenile Rights is a consultancy firm founded by Dieter Cantu, comprised of individuals who have experienced the juvenile justice system firsthand, specifically through their time at the Texas Youth Commission, now known as the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). These consultants, who initially met while housed at Giddings State School, have turned their shared experiences into a powerful catalyst for change. Now adults, they are dedicated to advocating for youth within the system, using their unique insights to drive meaningful reforms and improve the lives of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth.
Leveraging their personal journeys, the consultants at Juvenile Rights work tirelessly to ensure that current and future generations do not face the same challenges they did. They are actively involved in policy reform, providing valuable recommendations that aim to enhance fairness, equity, and effectiveness within the juvenile justice system. Their advocacy extends beyond policy, as they engage in community organizing efforts to raise awareness, build coalitions, and drive grassroots movements for systemic change.
Juvenile Rights focuses on bridging the gap between incarceration and successful reintegration into society. They provide crucial mentorship and support, connecting youth to essential resources such as educational programs, job training, and mental health services. By fostering these connections, they help ensure that youth exiting the system have the tools and support needed to build productive and fulfilling lives.
Through their comprehensive approach, Juvenile Rights is not only transforming policies but also empowering communities and creating a more rehabilitative and supportive environment for all youth impacted by the juvenile justice system. Their work exemplifies the profound impact that lived experience can have in advocating for and implementing lasting change.
Trainings and Workshops
We deliver training programs and workshops for agency staff, law enforcement, and other stakeholders involved in the juvenile justice system. We focus on topics such as trauma-informed care, restorative justice practices, implicit bias, and effective rehabilitation strategies. We also collaborate with universities to establish research partnerships, engage in joint projects, and offer guest lectures on juvenile justice reform.
Policy Consulting
Expertise in analyzing existing policies and recommending improvements to enhance fairness, equity, and effectiveness in the juvenile justice system. Providing guidance on evidence-based practices and innovative approaches to policymaking.
Mentorship
Specializing in developing and implementing mentorship programs tailored to support youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Offering personalized mentorship that promotes emotional well-being, academic achievement, and life skills development. Leveraging proven strategies and innovative methods to create meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that drive positive, long-term outcomes for at-risk youth.
Community Organizing
Expertise in mobilizing communities to advocate for systemic change within the juvenile justice system. Facilitating grassroots efforts to raise awareness, build coalitions, and drive policy reform to support at-risk youth. Utilizing strategic organizing techniques to empower community members and amplify their voices, ensuring equitable and effective outcomes for all stakeholders.
Our consultants are actively advocating for youth across Texas, ensuring they have a voice in the juvenile justice system. They work tirelessly to connect these young individuals to essential resources and support services as they transition back into the community. By providing continuous guidance and advocacy, we aim to facilitate a successful reintegration and brighter future for all youth exiting the system.
We gathered at Houston City Hall for a press conference to introduce Recover, our coalition dedicated to advocating for youth and young adults impacted by the youth and young adults involved with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).
This powerful coalition brings together men from both the nonprofit and private sectors, united in their commitment to create transformative change. Recover is more than an alliance—it’s a movement focused on amplifying voices, building solutions, and pushing for policies that promote equity, support, and opportunity for the most vulnerable among us.
At Juvenile Rights, we are grateful for the incredible support from our partners and sponsors. Their commitment and generosity enable us to provide vital services and resources to the youth in our community. We proudly recognize the following organizations for their unwavering support and partnership:
Contact Us We are here to support you and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to us through any of the methods below.
