InsideOUT Writers

The mission of InsideOUT Writers is to reduce the juvenile recidivism rate by providing a range of services that evolves to meet the needs of currently and formerly incarcerated youth and young adults. Using creative writing as a catalyst for personal transformation, these young people are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully re-integrate into our communities, becoming advocates for their future.

Founded at Central Juvenile Hall in 1996, InsideOUT Writers (IOW) has conducted weekly writing classes within the Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall System for 16 years. Classes are taught by local writers and educators. The mission of the Writing Program is to empower incarcerated youth by giving them a safe, non-judgmental place to express themselves and channel their anger and frustration into writing, rather than violence.

As a compliment to the Writing Program, in 2009 IOW launched the Alumni Program, which is designed to reduce recidivism and delinquency in at-risk youth who have been released from juvenile detention.