Empowering Youth: Our Promise to Guide and Prevent Crime

“At the Northwestern District Attorney’s office, we believe helping young people find their way to a better path is not only our mission, but also our privilege. Since 1975, we have worked hard to fulfill that promise with integrity and dedication. A primary focus of our community outreach is our youth mentorship programs-the implementation of innovative programs that assist young people in choosing a positive path over a path of crime. Under the direction of District Attorney Jessica Landon, our office remains committed to offering the resources, assistance, and counsel necessary for youth to avoid pitfalls and achieve productive lives.”

Understanding the Need: The Risks for Our Youth

Teenage years can be challenging and intense, especially for those with socioeconomic disadvantage, exposure to violence, unstable family life, or lack of positive role models in their communities. Research consistently shows that early intervention is key to diverting youth from a path of risky behavior or involvement in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The dynamics in the Northwestern District are unique-from shifting community makeup to heightened concerns about youth violence. We offer mentorship programs designed on a prevention model to deter risk factors before they take root, encourage resiliency, and provide a sense of connection and purpose in young people of our district.

How Our Youth Mentorship Programs Function

Our youth mentorship programs are holistic, evidence-based, and customized to meet the many needs of our community. Programs are targeted towards community residents between the ages of 11 to 18 and are free of charge. Each program participant is matched with a mentor volunteer-such as a community member, educator, or former law enforcement officer with experience engaging with young people. Our mentors guide mentees through all aspects of participation, including meetings, one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, and skills workshop classes.

Key elements of our mentorship programs include:

Dynamic, individualized goal planning and academic support
Life Skills Workshop including conflict resolution and decision making
Leadership development with opportunities for community services
Educational and career exposure to positive law, education, and business role models
Access to recreational and cultural enhancement activities

Sessions are held in communities at local schools and community center locations with flexible dates and times for family needs. A summer leadership academy is available, which culminates in a full week of engaging experiences focused on teamwork, civic participation, and workforce exposure.

Guiding Principles: Prevention, Partnership, and Empowerment

Our perspective regarding mentoring is founded upon three principles: prevention, partnership, and empowerment. Prevention involves addressing the underlying factors leading to juvenile delinquency and early intervention. Partnership underscores our premise that collaboration-with parents, schools, law enforcement, and community-provides the best opportunity for lasting improvement. Empowerment speaks to our efforts to provide youth with the self-assurance, skills, and support dispositions to not only make sound choices but also become local leaders.

Building confidence and fostering open dialogue, advocates can become advisors to youth when confronting issues ranging from peer influence to academic difficulties. Our program facilitates family involvement and promotes family collaboration since we believe that a healthy home life helps reinforce positive outcomes.

Real Stories: Changing Lives Through Mentorship

The true measure of the success of our programs is reflected in the stories of the youth we serve. Take Michael for instance-a 16-year-old boy who was not only a truant but influenced by his peers. With the help of our mentorship program, Michael was partnered with a retired police officer who gave him consistent support and guidance to establish academic goals and craft a plan beyond high school. Today, he is a graduate of high school with plans to one day become a youth counselor himself. Another mentee, Jasmine, believes her mentor helped her establish her dreams of going to college.

“My mentor always listened and had faith in me, even when I didn’t have faith in myself,” she said. “Now, I want to encourage others how my mentor encouraged me.”

These are just two stories of many that prove the power of mentorship-one that can change not only individuals, but families and communities.

Community Partnerships: Collaborating to Make a Difference

Our youth mentorship initiatives are enhanced by collaboration with local schools, not-for-profits, and the business community. When we participate in these initiatives in tandem with others, we amplify our impact. Collaborative endeavors have included:

School-based early intervention teams
Career day events with business employers
Joint education sessions with mental/behavioral health providers
Volunteer opportunities which link youth with service organizations

These partnerships with other organizations afford us the opportunity to provide holistic support which goes beyond the cause of prevention to also incorporate ancillary social, emotional, and educational support for youth. The investment of community resources guarantees mentoring is not a one-time event, but rather, an ongoing developmental tool.

Becoming a Mentor: How You Can Help Us Make a Difference

The strength of our mentoring programs relies on the commitment of our volunteer mentors. We have volunteer opportunities available for individuals from diverse backgrounds, because we are looking to support youth and strengthen our community. Mentors receive extensive training in topics including youth development, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care. We provide ongoing support and resources for volunteers to make sure that each mentor-mentee relationship is safe, constructive, and enjoyable.

If you would like to learn more about volunteer mentoring or know an adolescent that could be a mentee, I urge you to contact me. By simply giving your time and attention, you can be the positive adult in a young person’s life that helps them refrain from risky behaviors, have more self-confidence, and learn the impact of possibilities.

How to Get Involved or Gain Access to Our Youth Mentorship Programs

All Northwestern District residents are eligible to participate in our youth mentorship programs. Referrals are also accepted from parents, schools, law enforcement agencies, and other community members. Please contact our office directly to inquire about eligibility, enrollment, or to volunteer. The staff will assist you with the application and placement process for you or your child, as well as matching you or your child with available services and mentors.

Hours of Operation	Mon-Fri 8 AM – 5 PM
Street Address	500 N Capitol Ave Ste 42, Indianapolis IN 46204
Phone Number	(317) 532-9697
E-mail	[email protected]
Website	https://northwesterndistrictattorney.org/

We urge all members of the community to get involved-whether you’re in need of assistance, offer assistance, or simply want to find out more about how we make the district a safer and more welcoming place.

Our Vision: A Safer, Better Community for Everyone

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office recognizes that investing in youth is the best way to ensure a safer future for all. Through our youth mentorship programs we are preventing crime and developing a community where children and teens feel valued, supported, and encouraged to embrace opportunity. Guided by integrity, compassion, and innovation, we are dedicated to the pursuit of justice and continuing to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Contact us today for more information about our youth mentorship initiatives, legal resources, or getting involved in our community programs. Together we can make a lasting impact.