youthSpark

We dare to imagine.

youthSpark’s core work has always centered on working to end child sex trafficking. As our organization has grown and adapted to serve the needs of our youth further, we have become a haven where youth who have suffered abuse, neglect, and trauma can find the legal and social support they need to begin down a positive path. Our mission is to “provide cutting-edge services, education, and advocacy to combat youth trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.” Our vision is to “create a world free of youth trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.”
Our organization, led by Black women and survivors, works to end conditions of violence by serving youth caught in the “abuse to prison pipeline,” a social problem where youth’s prior experiences of gender-based violence leads to their involvement in the legal system. This is survival work.

We provide safety and support for these youth survivors to create supportive networks, provide access to health care, and find counseling and other support. Our drop-in youth center, which opened in 2016, is located within the Fulton County Juvenile Court building, allowing us to serve on the frontlines while providing a youth-centered and affirming space. 

Our youth came to us in the first half of 2023 with a myriad of negative life experiences including trauma exposure (36%), experiencing in-home or family violence (54%), sexual health education (36%), internet safety (13%), LGBTQ+ support (7%), or displaying educational disconnection (30%).

The vast majority (33%) of our long-term clients also experienced some form of violent victimization, including domestic violence (17%), bullying (15%), child physical abuse (12%), assault or battery (15%), sexual assault (23%), sexual exploitation (19%), child sexual abuse (34%), and child pornography (9%).  Upon initial assessment of these youth, it was typical that undisclosed abuse, neglect, or trauma was present. Thirty-four percent of those youth we have served during this reporting period were referred to us by the Fulton County Juvenile Court because they are a Child in Need of Service (CHINS). 

youthSpark was founded in 2000 as the Juvenile Justice Fund, an independent nonprofit organization with a focus on providing real solutions for vulnerable children and families affected by the court. Over time, we've expanded our work to include research and lead change in the juvenile legal system and throughout the community. 

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR YOUTH SERVICES CENTER