Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network's CMHLS

Presents:

Interrupting the Cycle: Community-Based Prevention and Mentoring Strategies to

Keep Youth Out of the Juvenile Justice System

With: Toson Knight, M.A., Educational Leadership

Date: March 19, 2026

Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Location: Caught Up Mentoring Program

19950 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

Course Description:

This presentation explores practical, community-driven approaches to preventing youth violence, reducing system involvement, and strengthening protective factors for high-risk adolescents. Drawing from direct field experience in Wayne County’s Prevention and Diversion work, Ceasefire outreach, and the Caught Up Mentoring program, the session will examine how mentorship, restorative practices, credible messenger engagement, and structured programming can redirect youth trajectories.

Participants will engage in case-based discussions, learn how to build trust with resistant youth and families, and explore strategies that move beyond punitive responses toward relationship-centered intervention. The session will also highlight real program models such as Midnight Basketball, re-entry engagement, and school-based mentoring partnerships that address trauma, accountability, and long-term opportunity.

Course Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify risk factors that contribute to juvenile justice involvement and community violence.
2. Explain how mentoring relationships function as protective interventions for system-involved youth.
3. Apply restorative and relationship-centered engagement strategies when working with resistant adolescents.
4. Describe how community-based programs can complement traditional social work services.
5. Recognize the importance of credible messengers and culturally responsive practice in violence prevention.
6. Develop practical approaches for connecting youth to education, employment readiness, and pro-social opportunities.

Timed Agenda:

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: 

Understanding the Landscape: Youth Violence, Trauma, and System Entry Points

03:30 pm – 4:00 pm:

The Role of Mentorship as Intervention (Field-Based Insights)

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Case Study Review: From Arrest Risk to Engagement

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Program Models That Work
(Midnight Basketball, School-Based Mentoring, Re-Entry Support)

5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Interactive Breakout: Building Trust with Hard-to-Reach Youth

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Implementation Strategies + Discussion + Q&A

Registration / Walk-In Policy

Registration is required. Walk-ins WILL NOT be permitted. Register to ensure your attendance.

Photo Consent

By joining us at this event, attendees consent to Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network's Detroit Wayne Connect photographing, videotaping and using your image and likeness.