Mission
FOUNDED IN 2012, YOUNG NEW YORKERS' RESTORATIVE ART DIVERSION PROGRAMS ALLOW YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXIT THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM, HAVE THEIR CASES DISMISSED AND SEALED, AND AVOID A LIFE-LONG CRIMINAL RECORD. IN ADDITION, OUR GRADUATE PROGRAMS OFFER LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO TRANSFORM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THROUGH ADVOCACY FORUMS, PUBLIC ART EXHIBITIONS, AND OTHER EVENTS. THESE EVENTS OFTEN TAKE PLACE IN COURTROOMS WHERE PARTICIPANTS CAN ENGAGE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS AND LEADERS AND ADVOCATE FOR A MORE HUMANE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM.IN TEN YEARS WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DIVERTED MORE THAN 1,800 YOUNG PEOPLE AWAY FROM JAIL AND OTHER SANCTIONS. TODAY, WE REMAIN THE ONLY CITYWIDE PROVIDER OF ARTS-BASED DIVERSION PROGRAMS.