Breaking Barriers – Expanding Language Access in Juvenile Justice is dedicated to ensuring that every family can effectively navigate the justice system, regardless of language, by creating accessible materials and support for Spanish-speaking families. Based in Arlington County, VA, where 15.7% of the population is Hispanic and nearly 25% have limited English proficiency, the initiative addresses the critical need for clear, bilingual resources. Without such resources, many families struggle to participate meaningfully in the juvenile justice process or access diversion programs, leaving youth more vulnerable to harsher consequences.

With support from the Institute for Citizens and Scholars and the Arlington Youth Philanthropic Initiative, the project partners with the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy, an Arlington-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation alternatives to traditional sentencing, to expand equitable access to justice and support positive outcomes for young people.