The Court Employment Project

Many believe the key to keeping youth out of trouble is to keep them busy with healthy, productive, and empowering activities. CASES is an organization that operates out of New York City, but the work they do could be applicable to youth around the country.

The Court Employment Project (through CASES) provides participants with a variety of programs in a structured environment. Rather than focusing on a young person’s problems, the youth development approach at CASES focuses on a young person’s strengths. They are asked to develop, rather than simply change. Participants set their own goals to engage in constructive activities and professional skills, while their daily schedule is set by the program’s staff. The staff also monitors each participant’s progress toward his or her goals.

The programming at the Court Employment Project falls into four categories:

• Art
• Education
• Health and Well-being
• Outdoor Activities

There is also a gender-responsive service for female participants called the Girl Rising Program. To learn more about the services offered in all of these areas, visit the CASES website.