STRENGTH stands for Succeed Through Resilience, Empower New Growth Through Hope, and was launched in 2018 at the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. Youth survivors of sex trafficking, who have an active delinquency or dependency petition, or both have the option to choose whether they want their case to be permanently moved to STRENGTH Court. STRENGTH Court is designed to provide timely support by connecting youth with vital resources that aid their recovery and long-term success.

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STRENGTH Court Team

  • Juvenile Court judges
  • A specially trained STRENGTH Court juvenile probation officer
  • A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA of Maricopa County)
  • Representatives from the Arizona Department of Child Safety
  • The Arizona Attorney General’s Office
  • Reach for Resilience (R4R)
  • Survivor advocates

Sex Trafficking Screening Tool

Youth are first evaluated by specially trained juvenile probation officers, who use the sex trafficking screening tool to identify those who are victims of sex trafficking. 

What to Expect in the Courtroom

At each hearing, judges step down from the bench to allow the youth to talk to them directly, helping to create a more relaxed, less intimidating environment. The judges and the STRENGTH Court team work to build trust and connect with the youth, making it easier for them to open up about the challenges they are facing. 

Survivor Advocates Provide Help

Survivor advocates help youth understand their experiences and rebuild their path toward success. They also collaborate with the STRENGTH Court team to ensure a trauma-informed approach to guiding the youth through their healing journey. 

Educational Opportunities Available for Youth

Youth are given the opportunity to develop and achieve their educational goals, which can range from:

  • Obtaining a high school diploma or GED
  • College courses
  • Trade programs
  • Post-secondary opportunities 

Dedicated Probation Supervision Unit

In 2021, the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department established a specialized Strength Probation Officer position to support youth suspected or confirmed to be victims of sex trafficking. By August 2022, the increasing number of identified trafficking victims led to the creation of a dedicated probation supervision unit. The Strength Unit supervises these youth throughout their probation term, regardless of their placement within the state of Arizona.

In 2023, the Strength Unit was recognized with a National Association of Counties (NACo) Award.

Awards

Heart of Justice Leader of the Year Award

In 2024, the Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services honored Judge Pamela Dunne with the Heart of Justice Leader of the Year award for her pivotal role in creating STRENGTH Court. Alongside Judge David Gass, she traveled across the country, studying various court models to understand what succeeded and what didn’t. Their research was crucial in developing a court model in Maricopa County designed to support minor victims of sex trafficking.

Locations

STRENGTH Court is available at the Durango Juvenile Court Center in Phoenix and the Southeast Juvenile Center in Mesa.