Smart Justice

Send us a text On November 20th, 2025, leaders in Pulaski County reached a pivotal moment in the fight against violence. After two years of discussions and research on bringing Group Violence Intervention to the area, they joined forces and made a commitment to fund the strategy. The announcement happened at a press conference that marked a new chapter for the community. In this episode, you’ll hear the voices from that moment—leaders explaining why this decision matters, what comes next, and the shared resolve to save lives. #community #safety #safecommunities #crimeprevention #communityviolenceintervention Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Violence has left deep scars across Pulaski County, touching children, parents, and entire neighborhoods. LaShanna Bruce and Deanna Walderns of the 100 Families Initiative sit down with Restore Hope's Paul Chapman to explain how the initiative helps families in crisis and offers real alternatives to a life of violence. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Pastor Rodney McIntosh knew something had to change in Fort Worth, Texas. Drawing inspiration from the Advance Peace model in Richmond, California, he launched Violence Intervention and Prevention Fort Worth (VIPFW) – a program that's transforming how communities address gun violence by focusing on individual. VIPFW's success lies in who they hire: respected community members who once contributed to neighborhood problems and now dedicate themselves to solving them. These "neighborhood change agents" possess a unique blend of street credibility and professional commitment that allows them to reach people traditional authorities cannot. As one team member explains, "You literally have to be able to be around young people and know how to toe the line, be an example for them but still be so close that they don't lose that level of respect they have for you." Unlike programs that check in occasionally with at-risk individuals, VIPFW maintains daily—sometimes multiple daily—contact with participants enrolled in their peacemaker fellowships. This relentless engagement creates unprecedented support systems for young people navigating trauma and limited options. The program incorporates education on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and mental health awareness while providing opportunities to experience life beyond neighborhood boundaries. Fort Worth recorded zero gang-related shootings during the first six months of 2023, compared to 25 in the same period the previous year. By recognizing that those driving violence aren't broken beyond repair but overlooked and unresourced, VIPFW demonstrates that targeted, relationship-based interventions can break even the most entrenched cycles of violence. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text In this episode of the Smart Justice podcast, we sit down with Reverend Kevin Crumpton, pastor, community leader, and project manager for Pine Bluff’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy. Crumpton has worn many hats throughout his career—from probation officer and jail lieutenant to school PTO president—but his lifelong passion has always been serving young people and families in crisis. As a trusted voice in his community, Crumpton plays a unique role in bridging law enforcement, schools, social services, and families impacted by gun violence. He shares how Pine Bluff went more than 550 days without a homicide, what it means to respond to families within hours of a tragedy, and how wraparound resources like grief sessions, school counseling, and even emergency relocation funds help prevent cycles of retaliation. Crumpton also emphasizes that GVI isn’t a program—it’s a strategy rooted in relationships, accountability, and hope. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Yolanda Harrison and Tina Dobbins share raw, heartbreaking accounts of receiving the calls that changed everything—learning their sons had been shot, rushing to hospitals, and facing the brutal reality that their children were gone. Both women describe how this trauma fundamentally changed them, triggering serious health issues and requiring them to forge new identities in the aftermath of loss. "When he died, I died. I had to learn how to be someone else," Harrison explains, detailing her struggle with PTSD and depression despite her background as a healthcare worker. From the prosecutor's perspective, Chief Deputy Kelly Ward reveals alarming trends in gun violence across Pulaski County, particularly the proliferation of illegal firearms and their deadly modifications. What once might have been teenage disagreements resulting in minor injuries now instantly escalate to homicides. Crime scenes that previously had four shell casings now regularly have fifty due to modified automatic weapons in the hands of increasingly younger offenders. The conversation doesn't stop at describing problems—it explores solutions. Both mothers have channeled their grief into community action, founding and participating in organizations that support other grieving families while working to prevent future violence. They emphasize the critical need for early intervention with young people, teaching conflict resolution skills before conflicts turn deadly, and addressing anger management issues that, left untreated, can lead to violence. Join us for this essential discussion about the true human cost of gun violence and the community-based approaches that offer real hope for breaking cycles of trauma. Together, we can build a future where fewer families experience the devastating grief these mothers continue to navigate daily. #violence #justice #community #grieving #prosecution Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text One of the most powerful tools in the fight against violence isn’t found in the courtroom—it’s in the community. Credible messengers are people with lived experience in gangs, incarceration, and the streets who now use their past to build trust and guide others toward a different future. In this episode, we meet Julius Buie, who spent more than two decades in gang life before becoming a credible messenger in Pulaski County. Today, he mentors youth, advocates in courtrooms, and offers second chances to people on the edge of violence. His story shows why credible messengers are essential partners in reducing shootings, saving lives, and creating safer communities. 👉 Watch more episodes of the Smart Justice podcast: SmartJustice.org #CredibleMessenger #GunViolencePrevention #SmartJustice #AShotAtHope Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Gun violence is devastating Pulaski County families and weakening community bonds. But what if there were proven strategies to interrupt this cycle of violence before more lives are shattered? This episode captures the first of three public meetings where local leaders come together to confront this challenge head-on. Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton shares encouraging statistics about crime while acknowledging the persistent problem of gun violence, particularly among young people. His message is clear: public safety requires everyone's participation, not just law enforcement's. County Prosecutor Will Jones reveals the staggering backlog his office inherited and how they're working to deliver justice to waiting families. His colleague Casey Beard introduces the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy, which targets the small number of individuals driving most of the violence, offering support and alternatives before tragedy strikes. From the Division of Youth Services, Kimberly Key-Bell addresses the profound impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health and educational engagement. She paints a sobering picture: "ghost kids" who disappeared from school during the pandemic and the $120,000 annual cost to house a single youth in the juvenile justice system. Throughout the discussion, a powerful consensus emerges: violence prevention requires coordinated action across sectors. From credible messengers with lived experience to mental health services, from educational support to community mentorship—each piece forms part of a comprehensive solution. If you care about community safety, youth development, or evidence-based approaches to complex social problems, this episode offers both hope and practical pathways forward. Join the conversation and discover how you can be part of the solution. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/wewillrestorehope [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text "When violence drops, hope rises." These powerful words capture the remarkable transformation occurring in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where an innovative approach called Group Violence Intervention (GVI) has helped the city achieve over 500 consecutive days without a juvenile homicide. Once regularly appearing on lists of America's most dangerous places, Pine Bluff is now becoming a model for how smaller communities can effectively combat gun violence. Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, a criminologist at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, leads the research measuring GVI's impact. Her team goes beyond tracking crime statistics, conducting surveys with youth in the justice system and their families to understand the full picture. This comprehensive approach reveals not just whether violence is decreasing, but why—identifying critical risk factors that can be addressed before tragedy strikes. "We're looking at it from all different points, which is very exciting, getting that full picture," Dr. ten Bensel explains. What makes Pine Bluff's story particularly significant is how it demonstrates that strategies developed for major metropolitan areas can be successfully adapted to smaller communities. The program brings together law enforcement, social services, and families affected by violence to deliver a unified message: violence will not be tolerated, but help is available. This coordinated approach creates what Dr. ten Bensel describes as "almost a wraparound service to the problem." The results speak for themselves, showing that when communities apply evidence-based strategies with passion and persistence, even entrenched patterns of violence can change. As Dr. ten Bensel notes, gun violence impacts everything from trust in institutions to economic prosperity—making effective intervention strategies essential for community revitalization. "We're not just throwing money at the problem," she emphasizes. "We're actually being very thoughtful about how to spend our resources to get the most effective outcome." Listen to A Shot at Hope on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or visit smartjustice.org to discover how measurement turns good intentions into meaningful change. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Pulaski County Prosecutor Will Jones started his role in 2023 following the deadliest year for homicides in Little Rock's history. He says it was time to find a different approach to fighting crime—one that would require him to think outside of the traditional prosecutor role. In this interview with Jones, we discuss crime trends, community trust, and a new path forward through Group Violence Intervention (GVI), an evidence-based approach he believes could be transformative for Pulaski County. According to Jones, violent crime in Pulaski County is trending downward now. He says homicide numbers are down 44% countywide and nearly 50% in Little Rock compared to 2022. But he is quick to note that success isn’t measured by statistics alone. “It’s still a very troubling number. We’re not going to stop until we get that number to zero.” He says we have to remember one key insight: most violent crime is committed by a small number of individuals. “It’s a very small number that is responsible for 90% of the violent crime,” he says. “If we can figure out a way to target that group—or help that group—then I think we’ll see a significant reduction in violent crime.” Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Pastor Mark DeYmaz leads Mosaic Church, a multiethnic congregation in Little Rock, Arkansas. He’s spent decades working across lines of race, class, and politics to try to rebuild broken trust in some of the most wounded neighborhoods. He intentionally built his church in an area of the city with some of the highest crime rates—an area with significant homelessness and opioid issues—putting them right in the middle of the challenges they aim to address. The church has spent decades creating what DeYmaz calls a “hub of hope”—offering everything from food and counseling to housing support and chess club. DeYmaz breaks down two essential needs every person must have—significance and security—and why addressing those needs is key to preventing violence and creating lasting change. From repurposing abandoned buildings to attracting investment from the business community, he explains that restoring neighborhoods isn’t just about programs—it’s about people, persistence, and purpose. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text In 2021, Indianapolis was facing one of the highest homicide spikes in the nation. By 2024, the city had reduced criminal homicides by an astounding 54%. Smart Justice travels to Indiana to explore a bold new strategy that’s transforming how cities tackle gun violence. Known as Indy Peace, the city’s violence reduction model is a three-pronged approach built on intervention, prevention, and neighborhood stabilization—and it’s getting national attention. How can this help other communities? It's a roadmap that’s not cookie-cutter, but replicable—with the right leadership, resources, and patience. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Around the nation, gun violence is destroying families and weakening communities. And it's becoming a leading cause of death among young people. How can we move beyond just talking about this tragedy to implementing solutions that actually work? Join us for A Shot at Hope, a special series from Smart Justice. We're examining an evidence-based strategy that has already reduced gun violence in communities across the country. So, how does it work? We know that in nearly every city, only a small number of people are driving most of the violence. An approach called Group Violence Intervention (GVI) identifies those individuals and engages with them directly, trying to offer them a way out before the violence occurs. Throughout this series, we'll talk to people whose lives have been forever changed by violence and those hoping to bring the GVI strategy to their communities. And while this approach is a data-driven model focused on measuring outcomes, at its core, it's about human connection. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text "Everyone sees a side on the news, but I live it. I have to live this every day." These powerful words from Yolanda Harrison capture the devastating reality of gun violence in America—not as a headline that fades, but as an unending journey of grief that transforms lives forever. Yolanda's story begins with her son Devan: a talented musician, church youth group member, and college student with dreams. Despite growing up in a good neighborhood, attending quality schools, and being raised with strong values, Devan became one of the countless young Black men lost to senseless violence. The night Devan died started ordinarily enough. They had planned to see a movie, but when Yolanda had a headache, Devan went out to meet someone about making music, saying he would return soon. That was the last time she saw him alive. What followed was every parent's nightmare—a middle-of-the-night hospital call, the trauma of seeing her son with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, and the fog of grief so thick she doesn't even remember his funeral. The shooter served less than a year on a misdemeanor charge. Media reports falsely suggested drug involvement, reinforcing the very stereotypes Yolanda had worked tirelessly to keep her son from being associated with. From this unimaginable loss emerged purpose. Yolanda founded Mothers of Black Sons Standing Against Death. Her advocacy work spans from partnering with former gang members to serving on the Mayor's Hope Council, all focused on creating paths away from violence for young people. This episode kicks off Smart Justice's special series on Group Violence Intervention (GVI), an evidence-based approach that identifies the small number of individuals driving most violent crime and engages them directly before violence occurs. Through stories like Yolanda's, we see that addressing gun violence requires more than outrage—it demands community-based solutions that offer everyone a shot at hope. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text This season of Smart Justice has explored the complexities of juvenile justice, the efforts to straighten the curves of the next generation's lives, and the solutions that are being developed to make a real change in Arkansas. In this final bonus episode, Paul Chapman is joined by some of the prominent voices from throughout this season including the Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam, who first suggested that we explore juvenile justice. Want to learn more about evidence-based approaches transforming juvenile justice? Visit smartjustice.org to explore additional resources and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest developments in this vital field. www.smartjustice.org Executive Director of Restore Hope Paul Chapman hosts this podcast. Executive producer is Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King. #justice #juvenile #arkansas #crime #youth #police Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Imagine being 15 years old, handcuffed, and sitting in a detention cell with no idea what comes next. For Emma (not her real name), this became her reality—not once, but eight times. Her journey from childhood trauma through addiction and into the juvenile justice system reveals how quickly vulnerable youth can spiral when their basic needs go unmet. "You don't know how you're going to respond to somebody spitting in your face until somebody spits in your face," says Charles Parkins, reflecting on what detention staff sometimes encounter. As program director at the Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Parkins has spent nearly three decades wrestling with a profound question: How do we help troubled kids without causing more harm? This episode explores juvenile detention facilities, where staffing shortages and solitary confinement can create environments that might worsen the very problems they aim to solve. We hear from Brooke Digby, Arkansas's juvenile ombudsman, who advocates for therapeutic approaches over punishment, especially recognizing that for many youth, criminal behavior stems from survival instincts in impossible circumstances. What emerges is a call for rethinking—prevention over detention when possible, community support over isolation, and investing in the adults who shape children's lives. As Parkins puts it, "This is a social problem, not a criminal justice problem." The solution lies in building stronger support systems for families before crises occur. Share your thoughts with us at media@restorehopeio.org and sign up for our weekly updates at smartjustice.org to stay connected with this important conversation. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text Loss and disconnection lie at the heart of juvenile crime and substance abuse. That's the powerful message from those working on the frontlines of youth justice, including Crystal Davis, who transformed her life after 26 years of addiction to mentor young people in detention. "The biggest reason that I've seen is loss—the loss of a family member, the loss of a parent, either to death, divorce, drugs," explains Davis, whose own journey into substance abuse began at age 12. Now she teaches incarcerated youth essential life skills and encourages them to see beyond their current circumstances. "They're normal kids. They just made some bad decisions." Today's juvenile justice landscape reveals troubling trends exacerbated by the pandemic. Judges across Arkansas report skyrocketing truancy rates and unprecedented levels of isolation among young people. "Some portion of those young people didn't feel safe going to school...mostly it was just they didn't want to be around other people," notes Judge Adam Weeks, highlighting how social withdrawal creates fertile ground for mental health crises and substance abuse. What makes the current situation particularly dangerous is the evolution of drug potency. Marijuana wax containing 90% THC and fentanyl-contaminated pills have created an environment where "experimentation" can be deadly. Justin Buck of the Wolfe Street Foundation warns, "Experimentation might seem so innocent or we might have our own experiences with experimentation when we were teenagers. Listen, it's deadly today." This episode explores promising solutions emerging across Arkansas, from specialized family treatment courts to community-based after-school programs. These initiatives reflect a significant shift in juvenile justice philosophy articulated by retired Judge Gary Arnold: "We recognize there are alternatives that are more effective and get better outcomes than simply locking them up." Want to learn more about evidence-based approaches transforming juvenile justice? Visit smartjustice.org to explore additional resources and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest developments in this vital field. Executive Director of Restore Hope Paul Chapman hosts this podcast. Executive producer is Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text What if there was a smarter way to approach juvenile justice? One that identifies troubled youth before they commit serious crimes and connects them with resources instead of sending them to detention? Kevin Hunt knows firsthand how easily young people can slip into criminal behavior. Growing up in Little Rock during the notorious "Banging in the Rock" era, Hunt started with stealing coins from fountains before escalating to purse snatching and eventually more serious crimes. Despite having loving family members, the influences of poverty, neighborhood crime, and early exposure to drugs created a pathway to prison. "We just react a lot based off the trauma stuff that we went through," Hunt explains, highlighting how generational trauma drives impulsive behavior. After serving time for firearms offenses, Hunt transformed his life and now leads Lessons Learned, a program helping youth avoid his mistakes. He focuses particularly on elementary students, believing that building confidence and academic skills early prevents later issues. Meanwhile, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, police are pioneering Shield Our Youth, an innovative initiative tackling rising juvenile crime rates. Officer Blake Scott, who once distrusted police himself, leads this effort to identify at-risk youth and connect them with support before they enter the justice system. Rather than immediate arrests, officers investigate underlying issues—like the runaway teen Scott found who did not have a mattress on his bed at home and was being forced to use a trash can as a toilet. Instead of punishment, Scott connected the family with resources and maintained contact to ensure ongoing support. Shield Our Youth coordinates existing community services through specialized software, creating a seamless web of support. "The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing," explains Captain Stephen Creek about previous disconnected efforts. "All of the resources we need are right here." Want to help troubled youth in your community? Both Hunt and Officer Scott agree: the most valuable contribution is your time. Mentoring, simply showing up at games or performances, or offering homework help can create ripple effects that change a young person's trajectory forever. The Smart Justice podcast is hosted by Restore Hope Executive Director Paul Chapman. Executive producer is Karen Tricot Steward. Production and videography by Ti King. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text This is not just a story about youth crime—it’s a story about what’s possible when we stop asking ‘what’s wrong with them?’ and start asking ‘what happened to them?’ In this episode of Smart Justice, we explore what it means to change the game plan for youth on the edge. We hear powerful testimony from former gang member Antoine Jones, who lost his daughter to gun violence. He shares his journey from the streets to prison, revealing how the absence of family structure drives many young people toward gangs seeking protection and belonging. Now dedicating his life to mentoring troubled youth, Antoine delivers a message of hope. Former football coach Fitz Hill is trying to tackle a devastating reality: In the United States, homicide is the leading cause of death among black males ages 1 to 44. Hill wants to see black males make it to age 45 and come out on top. His initiative, called 1st and 45, exists to bring awareness to the social and economic factors contributing to the epidemic of black male homicides. Juvenile prosecutor Casey Beard provides insights into some alarming trends, noting the shift from minor adolescent offenses to weapon-related crimes, which are often amplified by social media. Her dual approach balances accountability with prevention: "We cannot do harm by trying to turn off the faucet, so why not do it as well?" We also meet Sandy Williams, the director of the North Little Rock Academy. The Academy provides an alternative learning environment, serving students in grades six through twelve, designed to meet the needs of at-risk students who may not thrive in traditional school settings. Drawing from his own childhood in poverty, Williams hopes for year-round schooling and community-based alternatives to suspensions. His perspective challenges our resource allocation: "We are paying more to incarcerate kids than we are to educate those same kids." Ready to learn how your community can implement evidence-based approaches to juvenile justice? Subscribe now and join the movement toward smart justice that transforms lives and neighborhoods for generations to come. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text When young people find themselves isolated and without essential support systems, they go down some dangerous paths. Many communities around the nation are seeing a rise in violent crime among youth—and it’s more serious than ever. We take you inside the crisis and highlight solutions. You’ll hear from prosecutors, judges, outreach workers, and teens who’ve lived it. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic — as schools closed, community programs were disrupted, and families found themselves under increased stress — many young people became vulnerable to negative influences and started engaging in risky behaviors. They started to feel more anxious and turned to guns for protection and substances for relief. We’ll explore how communities are tackling this challenge, spotlighting innovative solutions designed not only to reduce juvenile crime but also to create pathways to brighter futures. We’ll hear from people directly involved in the juvenile justice system about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can bring hope back to families. With the proper resources and guidance, the damage can be mitigated, but we must take action before things spiral out of control. Featured in this episode: Smart Justice is a production of Restore Hope. Executive Director is Paul Chapman. Associate Directors are Karen Phillips and Sarah Littleton. Executive producer of the podcast is Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/

Send us a text What happens when a community decides to reimagine juvenile justice? Across Arkansas, dedicated professionals are discovering that evidence-based interventions not only reduce crime but transform lives and strengthen communities. Meet Amber Govan, who at just eight years old learned sign language to facilitate her father's drug deals. Her path seemed predetermined—drug dealing, homelessness, and violence marked her early years. But when a high school teacher took interest in her success, everything changed. Today, Amber leads Carter's Crew, a nonprofit helping at-risk teens break cycles of crime and poverty. Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood shares how the state has changed its approach to juvenile justice through SAVRY (Structured Assessment of Violence Risk and Youth) evaluations. This research-backed tool helps courts identify which interventions will truly help each young person while avoiding unnecessary detentions that can do more harm than good. As Judge Tom Smith notes, "You can turn low-risk kids into high-risk just by how you treat them." In Pine Bluff, once known as "Crime Bluff" and America's fastest-shrinking city, an innovative approach called Group Violence Intervention (GVI) is yielding remarkable results. By directly engaging with high-risk youth groups, they deliver a powerful message: "We'll help you if you let us. We'll stop you if you make us." The result? Over 400 days without a juvenile homicide in a city previously devastated by youth gun violence. These success stories emerge despite significant challenges—post-pandemic increases in juvenile gun crimes, substance abuse, and educational disruptions. Yet they prove that with evidence-based approaches, community collaboration, and a focus on early intervention, we can create juvenile justice systems that truly rehabilitate rather than simply punish. How might your community reimagine its approach to troubled youth? Join us to explore solutions that work, not just for today, but for generations to come. Subscribe now for more insights into strategies that create safer communities and brighter futures for our youth. Smart Justice is a production of Restore Hope. Executive Director is Paul Chapman. Associate Directors are Karen Phillips and Sarah Littleton. Executive producer of the podcast is Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King. Support the show [Website]: https://smartjustice.org/ [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/@wewillrestorehope [Spotify + Apple + More]: https://smartjustice.buzzsprout.com/1213400/follow [Facebook]: https://www.facebook.com/restorehopearkansas [LinkedIn]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-hope-arkansas [Instagram]: https://www.instagram.com/restorehope.io/