“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.
As an advocate directly impacted by the criminal justice system, I continue to see the profound effects it has had on me. It shapes how I view the world, how I process my experiences, and how I interact with others. I made lifelong friends in the worst conditions of confinement – Texas youth prisons. Our bonds were cemented by a shared sense of injustice inflicted upon us by the system. I’ve served time in three correctional facilities, two of which have now been shut down due to their corruption. I’ve witnessed friends sentenced to 15 years at the age of 13 and others receiving 40-year sentences as children, many of whom remain incarcerated to this day. I’ve experienced the harsh reality of solitary confinement and had to create a personality that was destructive, just for the sake of my own safety and sanity. It took years to reinvent myself, and even now, I am still in the process of becoming who I aspire to be. Through trial and error, restarting, faith in God, and quite simply, luck at times, I have become someone different—someone I am proud of. I realize now that I could have saved a lot of time, effort, and sacrifices if I had the right support system and resources. If the system were truly designed to rehabilitate rather than punish, these resources would have been readily available.
Children make mistakes. Children mimic learned behavior through observation and conditioning. They often react to challenging situations in ways that reflect their upbringing and environment, sometimes without fully understanding the consequences. This is part of growing up, and it is crucial that we respond to these mistakes with guidance and support rather than punishment. Incarcerating youth only perpetuates a cycle of trauma and lost potential. They need compassionate mentors, opportunities, and a safe environment to learn and grow. Our mission at Juvenile Rights is to provide the support and resources that these young people need to avoid the pitfalls of the system and to successfully reintegrate into society. We are dedicated to ensuring that all youth receive the support, fairness, and opportunities they deserve.
I am still mentoring my peers—now adults—whom I met during my youth in jail, underscoring the ongoing need for support. This mentorship journey has shown me firsthand the difference that sustained support can make. Imagine the support that youth currently need now. Our mission is to bridge the gap between incarceration and successful reintegration into society. We will not stop until every young person has the tools and support they need to build productive and fulfilling lives. This is a lifelong journey for us, and we are committed to advocating for and implementing lasting change. Every child deserves the opportunity for redemption.
Our Valued Partners and Sponsors
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.
