An innovative program in the Juvenile Detention Center is bringing families together for a shared meal. The Family Dinner program acknowledges the transformative power of a shared meal in strengthening family bonds and supporting youth during challenging times.

“Some of these youths have been away from their families for over a year,” said Aundrea Newman, a juvenile probation division manager. “We understand the importance of family connections, and we also wanted to provide an incentive for youth who display good behavior and serve as role models in the facility.”

To participate in the program, youth must earn a blue polo status within the Juvenile Detention’s behavior management system and accumulate 1,000 pillars at that level, a milestone that often requires more than 80 days to reach. Over 30 youths have participated since the program began in 2024. The visit can include parents and siblings as well.

“In one juvenile’s case, he requested to have his younger sister visit. He had not seen her since being detained and was not likely to see her for several years more,” said Newman. “When the family entered the room, they greeted each other with a huge embrace. As they began eating and talking, you could see and sense the joy and love between them. Once the family left, the juvenile was completely overcome with emotion and cried for several minutes. The tears were a mixture of sadness but also gratitude.”

Newman emphasizes that programs like these serve multiple purposes. By engaging youth in positive, prosocial activities, the number of incidents within the facility decreases – creating a safer environment for both youth and staff. The overarching goal is to build a setting that promotes personal growth, development, and accountability.

“All of the youth in Detention will eventually return to the community,” said Newman. “We want to do our part to ensure that we provide avenues for regular communication with their families,” said Newman. “Programs like this not only provide that opportunity but also give youth a clear goal to work toward, rewarding them for making positive choices.”