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.

Getting Started
How to Launch a Juvenile Justice Ministry
A Way In Book

A Way In

Straight Ahead Ministries
How to start a Bible Discussion Group in Juvenile Detention Facilities.

Mentoring Book

Mentoring Training Manual

Release Ministries
Training Manual for Juvenile Justice Mentoring Training

How to Start a Mentoring Program Book

How to Start a Mentoring Program

Christian Association of Youth Mentoring
A guide to help design, implement and evaluate a successful mentoring ministry.

Juvenile Justice Ministry 101
Juvenile Justice Ministry 101

Youth for Christ JJM
This resource has been created for the staff person starting JJM from scratch.

 
 
Materials & Discussion Guides
Materials for Weekly Groups with Youth in Juvenile Justice Facilities
Every youth Bible Discussion Guide Vol 1

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.

Every youth Bible Discussion Guide Vol 2

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.

Every youth Bible Discussion Guide Vol 3

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

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.

Fierce Discipleship for Young Women

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

Books & Materials for Youth in Lock-Up
A Way Out Book
A Way Out

Straight Ahead Ministries
Testimonies from youth whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ as told in their own words.

Doing Time With God Book

Doing Time With God

Straight Ahead Ministries
Devotional book written by youth who are locked up.

Dear SAM Book
Dear SAM

Straight Ahead Ministries
A compilation of real letters from kids with questions and answers about God, faith and life.

A Fresh Start Book

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

X-treme Walk Books

Straight Ahead Ministries
Series of nine basic discipleship books geared towards new believers.

 
Support for Youth in Re-Entry
Support for Re-Entry
UNLOCK Text Message Support

Straight Ahead Ministries
Youth receive 3-4 text messages per week with scripture images, music and inspirational videos

Freestyle App
Freestyle App

Freestyle Ministries
Phone app with devotionals, relevant articles, youth art & writing

 

Training for Churches

Toolkit for zCreating Healing Communities
Toolkit for Creating Healing Communities

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

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

Youth First Initiative

Up-to-date data on juvenile justice issues
and reform.

Equal Justice Initiative

Equal Justice Initiative

Info on current issues in juvenile justice issues and reform.

Education & Training

Online Juvenile Justice Ministry Courses

Juvenile Justice Leadership Cohort

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

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

Orientation Materials

 
 
Connect

The Every Youth Coalition will connect you to the closest youth detention facility with the greatest need.

Equip

The Every Youth Coalition will train, provide curriculum, and have all the tools you need to reach youth in detention.

Connect

The Every Youth Coalition will connect you to the closest juvenile detention facility with the greatest need.

Equip

The Every Youth Coalition will train, provide curriculum, and have all the tools you need to reach the juvenile offender.