Juvenile Justice

Empowering Youth in Little Rock

Karen Steward

The City of Little Rock’s Department of Community Programs (DCP) is leading the charge to create safer neighborhoods and empower the next generation. Through a series of targeted initiatives, the DCP is addressing critical issues like youth violence, crime prevention, and community well-being.

Key programs include community violence intervention, re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals, and school-based interventions designed to keep at-risk students on the path to success.

By collaborating with local nonprofits, schools, businesses, and other organizations, the DCP ensures a comprehensive approach to youth violence prevention and intervention.

Dana Dossett

Under the leadership of Director Dana Dossett, the department offers a wide range of services, from after-school programs and summer academies to conflict resolution, mental health support, and workforce readiness training. These initiatives are not just about reducing crime; they are about providing young people with opportunities.

To learn more about DCP, visit: tinyurl.com/LRCommunityPrograms

Related Stories:

Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges. 

The podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms.

Subscribe to the Smart Justice newsletter.