COTB: Juvenile Justice Awareness Month: A Conversation on Hope, Restoration, and Justice

In a powerful episode of Church on the Block, host Amy Williams—joined by the usual team of Pastor Phil, Pastor Jay, and DJ Ruckus—sat down with St. Anthony Lloyd, a leisure time activities specialist in a juvenile correctional facility. This conversation, held during Juvenile Justice Awareness Month, pulled back the curtain on what life is like for young people inside the system and the dedicated staff who walk with them daily. Lloyd’s insight revealed both the harsh realities and the transformative possibilities of working with incarcerated youth.

Meeting Kids Where They Are

Lloyd has spent years working inside juvenile facilities, overseeing recreation and programming for young men who are often dismissed by society. Early on, he was struck by the volatility of the environment: calm moments can turn chaotic in an instant. But instead of reacting with punishment, he learned patience, composure, and the importance of understanding trauma. Nearly every child in the system has faced deep wounds—whether from violence, neglect, or loss—and those experiences often shape their behavior. “You have to see them as people, not inmates,” Lloyd explained. “Being here is their punishment. We don’t need to add more on top of it.”

Trauma, Humanity, and Patience

One of the most striking parts of Lloyd’s perspective is his insistence on recognizing the humanity of these young men. In his words, too many staff see youth as cases rather than as kids. Instead, he chooses to treat them the way he would treat his own fraternity brothers: with respect, dignity, and consistency. “If I project good energy, the people feel good energy,” he shared. Negativity, on the other hand, multiplies quickly in a correctional setting. Lloyd’s commitment to modeling calm, steady presence has ripple effects, both on the kids and his coworkers.

Amy emphasized how important it is for volunteers and staff alike to remember that incarcerated youth are still teenagers—dealing with puberty, identity, and the struggle of growing up—on top of being locked away. Lloyd agreed, noting that many of these kids have already lived through more violence and trauma than most adults could handle. Meeting them with patience rather than judgment becomes essential.

The Power of Restorative Practices

Beyond the daily challenges, Lloyd is a passionate advocate for restorative justice programming. He described how traditional models of incarceration emphasize rigid control and punishment, while restorative approaches focus on healing relationships and repairing harm. At his facility, programs like music, writing, peace circles, and public speaking give youth a constructive outlet. These activities don’t just fill time—they create space for growth, reflection, and connection. As Lloyd put it, “Programs don’t change people. Relationships do. But programs can be the tool that introduces young people to positive relationships.”

The results, he noted, are tangible. Youth who might otherwise shut down begin to open up when they are treated as collaborators in their own healing, rather than as problems to be managed. For Lloyd, the shift from punishment to restoration is not softness—it’s wisdom.

Community’s Role and the Need for Consistency

The episode also explored what role faith communities, nonprofits, and everyday citizens can play. Lloyd was clear: people should lean into what they can truly offer, rather than showing up half-prepared. “Don’t come in to teach basketball if you can barely dribble,” he quipped. The most important gift volunteers can give is consistency. Too often, kids are excited by a new mentor or program, only for it to disappear after a few months. That kind of inconsistency, he said, can be more damaging than helpful.

Sustaining the Work

Working in juvenile justice isn’t easy. Lloyd acknowledged the toll it can take on his own well-being, from long hours to missed time with family. Yet what keeps him going is the belief that every day offers an opportunity for transformation. “You have to find the good in what’s happening,” he said. Even small wins—a breakthrough conversation, a moment of laughter, a creative spark—remind him why he stays in the work.

A Call to See Differently

This Church on the Block conversation was more than an interview; it was an invitation to see incarcerated youth differently. As Lloyd reminded listeners, these are young men with incredible stories, resilience, and potential. If society can move beyond punishment toward restoration, we won’t just change their lives—we’ll change our communities. Amy Williams closed the episode by affirming Lloyd’s impact: “You are so good at what you do. We need more people like you in the system—people who see kids, believe in transformation, and lead with love.”

Related Radio Show: CHURCH ON THE BLOCK