CENTER FOR YOUNG WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT - GIRLS’ DETENTION ADVOCACY PROJECT (CA)

Program Description
The Center for Young Women’s Development was founded in 1993 by Rachel Pfeiffer and local service providers. In 1997, when the founding director left the agency, the young women served by the agency assumed the responsibility of running the organization. The Center has several programs that help high-risk, low- or no-income young women gain the opportunities they need to live successful lives.

The Girls’ Detention Advocacy Project (GDAP) begins working with young women before they are released from incarceration. The organization was the first peer-based agency to be invited inside San Francisco’s Youth Guidance Center (in the Probation department). While incarcerated, program participants work with GDAP staff in a one-on-one setting. The staff use the Center for Young Women’s Development’s “Lift Us Up, Don’t Lock Us Down” curriculum to emphasize accountability with the young women. In addition, GDAP provides self-advocacy training, leadership development, court accompaniment, mentorship, support groups, legal education, self-care methods, and life skills. GDAP staff continue to maintain contact with the young women after they are released to provide connections to community resources and to give general support. Many participants in the GDAP program become involved in other programs developed by the organization.

Program Goals
The Center for Young Women’s Development strives to build a safe haven and possibilities for young women who have been in the juvenile justice system, incarcerated, homeless, or adversely affected by poverty. The goal of the Girls’ Detention Advocacy Project is to support the women in juvenile detention
and help them get out and stay out of the system.

Networking, Partnering & Collaboration
The Center for Young Women's Development is unique in that it is run by young women who have been in the juvenile justice system and/or homeless. The young women use their personal experiences to develop strategies to help participants, collaborating with programs and organizations to help other young women. The program works with numerous public and private organizations including: the Juvenile Probation Department; Mayor's Office Of Children, Youth And Their Families; Young Women United For Oakland; The Sage Project; Youth Opportunities of San Francisco; and San Francisco Drug Diversion Court.

Outcomes
No outcome information was provided.

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