Resources
The Every Youth Coalition has made a set of resources available at no charge — or low cost.
Simply click on the resource for download or purchase.
A Way In
Straight Ahead Ministries
How to start a Bible Discussion Group in Juvenile Detention Facilities.
Mentoring Training Manual
Release Ministries
Training Manual for Juvenile Justice Mentoring Training
How to Start a Mentoring Program
Christian Association of Youth Mentoring
A guide to help design, implement and evaluate a successful mentoring ministry.
Youth for Christ JJM
This resource has been created for the staff person starting JJM from scratch.
Bible Discussion Guide: Volume 1
Straight Ahead Ministries
Contains 49 topical Bible studies for leaders to use in juvenile ministry. Ideal for groups of 3-20. Volume 1 of a three-volume set.
Bible Discussion Guide: Volume 2
Straight Ahead Ministries
Volume 2 of a three-volume set of topical Bible Studies for leaders to use in juvenile ministry. Ideal for groups of 3-20.
Bible Discussion Guide: Volume 3
Straight Ahead Ministries
Volume 3 of a three-volume set of topical Bible Studies for leaders to use in juvenile ministry, written by Straight Ahead staff and volunteers. Ideal for groups of 3-20.
Rebranded
One Hope International
Online curriculum designed to introduce urban youth to the Gospel. This 9-week multimedia program combines animated videos, songs and testimonies along with discussion questions.
The Discipleship Toolkit
Urban Youth Worker Institute
The Discipleship Toolkit is a free, online curriculum geared for urban youth that discusses various topics and is useful to open up discussions with youth about what practically looks like to follow Christ.
Resources for Youth
Straight Ahead Ministries
Testimonies from youth whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ as told in their own words.
Doing Time With God
Straight Ahead Ministries
Devotional book written by youth who are locked up.
Straight Ahead Ministries
A compilation of real letters from kids with questions and answers about God, faith and life.
A Fresh Start
Straight Ahead Ministries
Insightful questions asked by young people starting out on a trek towards faith. Include prayers and devotions to meditate on in response.
X-treme Walk Books
Straight Ahead Ministries
Series of nine basic discipleship books geared towards new believers.
Straight Ahead Ministries
Youth receive 3-4 text messages per week with scripture images, music and inspirational videos
Freestyle Ministries
Phone app with devotionals, relevant articles, youth art & writing
Training for Churches
Healing Communities USA
A chapter by chapter self-study for congregations committed to transforming the church culture into one that readily welcomes and supports individuals and families affected by crime and incarceration.
In person training is available across the country by contacting Dean Trulear at [email protected] or visiting www.healingcommunitiesusa.com.
Juvenile Justice Reform and Advocacy
How to Advocate Video
Prison Fellowship
This six-minute video provides the basis for why Christians should advocate for a more restorative justice system and some tips for how to get started.
Youth First Initiative
Up-to-date data on juvenile justice issues
and reform.
Equal Justice Initiative
Education & Training
Online Juvenile Justice Ministry Courses
Juvenile Justice Leadership Cohort
North Park University
The Juvenile Justice Leadership Cohort for youth workers to form strong, supportive relationships with others who engage in juvenile justice work while also receiving additional training, resources, and encouragement.
Online Juvenile Justice Ministry Courses
The Institute of Juvenile Justice Ministry
Straight Ahead Ministries offers a series of highly affordable online courses in Effective Juvenile Justice Ministry, available on Udemy. One-time registration gives you access to all 15 courses, which you can complete at your own pace.
Orientation Materials
