Youth Take Summer of Nonviolence Pledge at Young Adult Court Event
ALBUQUERQUE - The Young Adult Court (YAC), a specialty program of the Second Judicial District Court, recently hosted a special Summer of Nonviolence event, in partnership with Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), the Law Offices of the Public Defender, the District Attorney’s Office, and Bernalillo County.
The event brought together these key justice partners to help foster non-violence and support youth engagement.
The youth in attendance heard from judges, members of the district attorney’s office, YAC leaders and program managers from ACS and Bernalillo County who congratulated the group on their achievements and reminded them about how their actions impact them and the community.
“If you really want to address gun violence at its core, you must go straight to the source, and that is exactly what Young Adult Court does," said Tanya Tijerina, Clinical Operations Manager for the Second Judicial District Court. "Young Adult Court works specifically with individuals who were on the path to prison. We have seen so many young people come out of a very dark place, do the work, make the change and find their place in this world."
Representatives from Bernalillo County and peer-support worker staff from ACS’ Violence Intervention Program/Opioid Education and Prevention Program had the opportunity to speak to the youth about their lived experience and personal regrets, offer support, resources, mentorship, and ask for the individuals to take the pledge for the Summer of Nonviolence campaign.
“Violence has no place in our city, and I appreciate the youth who are stepping up to take the non-violence pledge,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These young people are choosing to turn their lives around and be a voice for peace.”
YAC is a voluntary jail diversion treatment court. It is designed for individuals of ages 18-25 that have been charged and/or convicted of felony level charges within Bernalillo County and are in need of treatment, social services and life skills. The program provides young adults with the necessary tools that focus on recovery, education and community service and employment.
“Our goal is to see the YAC youth lead a campaign together and to build out a plan with VIP and Bernalillo County,” said ACS’ VIP Division Manager, Serena Sierra-Fazio.
A total of 51 young members of YAC took the Summer of Nonviolence pledge. The pledge is a commitment to engaging in positive actions and promoting peace throughout the summer.
For more information about this event and future happenings, please visit the Summer of Nonviolence website.
For more information on Youth Adult Court please visit https://seconddistrict.nmcourts.gov/services-programs/jsdp/jsdp-programs/young-adult-court/.