Community violence and trauma disproportionately impact marginalized youth populations. Studies show that youth who become involved with the juvenile justice system often begin their lives with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or involvement with Child Protective Services.

Robert Hernandez, associate teaching professor, and USC MSW alumna Angela Montijo who works with Girls Empowerment Network in Austin, Texas, are youth justice advocates who seek to humanize the children trying to find their way out of a challenging system.

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