Lions Quest: Transforming Lives in the Juvenile Justice System

Lions Quest is emerging as a powerful tool in the juvenile justice system, providing adjudicated youth with essential skills like emotional regulation, decision-making, and communication through its high school program, Skills for Action. When used as a court-ordered intervention, Lions Quest helps young people navigate challenges and reduces the risk of reoffending.

Across the country, more juvenile courts are adopting Lions Quest as part of their rehabilitation strategies. By addressing the root causes of behavior, Lions Quest supports personal growth and long-term success, offering a positive alternative to traditional punitive measures. The program also fosters community engagement through service projects and mentoring, helping youth rebuild their lives and reconnect with their communities.

The Lions Quest program used in the juvenile justice system consists of 16 forty-five-minute lessons dealing with:

  • Connecting with your peers

  • Clarifying Values and Growth Opportunities

  • Self-respect

  • Dealing with stress and strong emotions

  • Respecting others

  • Healthy friendships and dealing with peer pressure

  • Solving conflict

  • Decision making for a healthy lifestyle

“The students are thinking about their actions and their behaviors and how it affects not just themself, but other people. I’ve never had the outcome with my kiddos that this has had, and I think it’s a true testament as to the research behind it. The way that it’s presented, it’s logical, it makes sense. The kids understand it.”

Faith Shelton, Lions Quest Facilitator for the Juvenile Justice Program