Solutions Journalism Network
The Mental Health Challenges in the Juvenile Justice and Foster Care Systems in Rhode Island

Who are we?
This year, a dedicated group of Communities of Hope students will collaborate with the Solutions Journalism Network Student Media Challenge to thoroughly investigate and highlight innovative solutions to the pressing mental health challenges encountered by youth within the incarceration and foster care systems. Through this initiative, our students aim to uncover impactful strategies and share stories that not only raise awareness but also inspire positive change, demonstrating the importance of addressing mental health in vulnerable populations.
About Our Collaboration with The Solutions Journalism Network
What is the Student Media Challenge?
What is solutions journalism?
How Do I Become A Solutions Journalist
You can explore the fundamentals, access training opportunities, and discover toolkits and guides at the SJN Learning lab by visiting the website at https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/learning-lab .
Other Recipients for 2025 and 2026
- The Post (Ohio University)
- CT Community News (Connecticut Student Journalism Collaborative)
- The Collegian (San Joaquin Delta College)
- Southern Methodist University
- Communities of Hope Civic Media (Roger Williams University)
- The Daily Northwestern (Northwestern University)
- Madison Commons (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
- The Daily Collegian (Pennsylvania State University)
More to Listen to
Episode 2: Mental Health and Lifelong Impacts on Foster Care Youth
This story is a part of the Solutions Journalism Network Media Challenge, where we report on mental health within the juvenile justice and foster care systems.”
Mario’s Law—A Second Look at Youth Sentencing
Rhode Island legislation offers parole review for crimes committed before age 22, acknowledging brain development and capacity for change Enacted in July 2021, Mario's Law allows individuals who committed offenses before their 22nd birthday to be eligible for parole...
Hope Pod Live! Episode 4
Hope Pod Live! Episode 8
Garden Time Uses Prison Gardens and Green Jobs Training to Support Rehabilitation at Rhode Island’s ACI
Garden Time is a Rhode Island–based organization that works to humanize the situation at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institution. They run three programs: an In-Prison Garden Education Program, which teaches incarcerated individuals sustainable agricultural...
Poverty, Bias, and the Systemic Over-Removal of Black Children in Foster Care
This story details the disproportionate representation and negative outcomes for Black children in the foster care system. Black children, who make up about 14% of the child population, represent 22% to 23% of children in foster care and are removed from their homes...
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