Specialized training to promote human rights and prevent juvenile delinquency

Grupo Nexos, the Office of Socioeconomic and Community Development (ODSEC, for its Spanish acronym), and the Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Puerto Rico have launched a training series to promote human rights and prevent juvenile delinquency. The first training session took place on January 23, 2025, and focused on Act 88-1986, known as the Puerto Rico Minors Act.

The session was tailored for key stakeholders within Puerto Rico’s social welfare and juvenile justice system, bringing together approximately 30 professionals from different government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Among the attendees were representatives from the Puerto Rico Police Department, ODSEC, the Department of Education, the Judicial Administration, the Civil Rights Commission, Sociedad para la Asistencia Legal (Legal Aid Society), and other entities dedicated to the care and protection of minors.

A comprehensive approach to youth well-being

This training is part of a series designed to address critical topics such as trauma-informed approach, civil rights, foundational concepts of evidence-based practices, and juvenile delinquency prevention. This innovative initiative aims to provide interventions that foster the development of social-emotional skills in children and their families, while simultaneously working to prevent juvenile delinquency. The project is spearheaded by the Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Puerto Rico and is part of the Juvenile Justice Program led by attorney Natalia Ríos. The Juvenile Justice Program is one of ODSEC’s key initiatives.

Through its involvement in these efforts, Grupo Nexos reaffirms its commitment to promoting human rights, preventing juvenile delinquency, and strengthening interagency and multisectoral collaboration in Puerto Rico. These trainings seek to equip professionals with practical tools and knowledge to enhance their ability to support, protect, and empower minors, paving the way for a more just and equitable future.