Since 1984, L.A. Theatre Works' ARTS & CHILDREN Project has utilized the arts to redirect the lives of more than 50,000 high-risk, incarcerated students within the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court and Community Schools.

Juveniles account for more than three-quarters of the homicide arrests in the State of California. Los Angeles County is particularly plagued with juvenile delinquency. Each year, more than 60,000 youth are funneled through the Los Angeles County court school system.

The United States Probation Department has concluded that minors involved with arts projects show reduced signs of violence and recidivism, have longer concentration spans, develop greater self-esteem and are better able to verbally express themselves without resorting to violence.

The ARTS & CHILDREN Project unlocks a creative outlet for this severely disadvantaged population and provides these highly underserved youth a voice within their community.

*For more information, contact: Pam Den Hartog at artsandchildren@latw.org