Senator Sheldon Whitehouse recently visited Tides Family Services, a family service agency dedicated to the well-being of children and families involved with child welfare and juvenile justice systems, to announce a $100,000 investment of federal funds  to support an expressive arts program for recently incarcerated youth. “Every young adult who ends up in the legal system deserves a fair shot at getting their lives on track,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “I am pleased to secure federal funding for Tides’ expressive arts program which provides young adults re-entering into the community with a safe and creative outlet to support them along their journey.”This investment in young people involved in the criminal justice system coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). Senator Whitehouse has led several efforts to update and strengthen its protections for justice-involved youth and is once again leading a bipartisan effort to reauthorize the legislation. Tides Family Services has been a collaborative partner to Senator Whitehouse in this work and supports efforts to reform juvenile justice practices by promoting effective intervention, diversion, and prevention programs that offer youth a more promising path toward rehabilitation and success. Staff and community partners gathered for a group photo with Senator White House. Pictured are: Back row: Alexandra Hunt, Emily Deluca, Richmond Flowers, Shannon Skaling, Elizabeth Burke Bryant (Brown University), Tides CEO, Beth Bixby, Allison Tarasewicz, James D., US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse,Travis Wiggins, Kristina Jandron, Jason Lyon (EOHHS), Inga Moore, Larome Myrick (DCYF), and front row: Nanisia Oliveira, Nicole Frenette, Kayleigh Fischer, Rachel Yoder and Felicia Smith. (Submitted photo)