Solutions Journalism Network

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

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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?
The Student Media Challenge, part of the Solutions Journalism Network, helps budding journalists by giving them the tools and support they need to address important issues in their communities through creative storytelling. By encouraging teamwork among student newsrooms, this initiative creates a space where creativity thrives, enabling students to uncover real solutions and tell powerful stories that resonate with their audiences. Each grant awarded not only supports their projects but also fuels a passion for impactful journalism that drives change and strengthens community connections.
What is solutions journalism?
Solutions journalism is an essential way to shed light on creative responses to social issues, especially those impacting marginalized communities. It looks at how different initiatives tackle challenges like mental health, housing stability, and community engagement. This approach not only showcases effective strategies but also identifies areas that need improvement, providing a deeper understanding of these complex issues. It fosters conversations between community members and decision-makers, encourages learning from both successes and failures, and ultimately sparks meaningful change. Through engaging storytelling and insights backed by data, solutions journalism helps communities work together to address important issues while nurturing hope and resilience.
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
2025-26 Academic Year Cohort
  • 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)

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.”

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