Introducing Lions Quest to the Juvenile Justice System

Lions Quest social and emotional learning programs are built to support, encourage and honor the unique strengths and experiences of every student. Designed to create a sense of connection and belonging inside and out of the classroom, these programs ensure that everyone recognizes their value and contributions to society so that no one feels left out.

In 2022, Past International Director (PID) Jerome Thompson asked himself, “How can we move Lions Quest into environments where we can best serve the youth who are most at-risk?” After a conversation with Past District Governor Daniel Elkins and PID Shea Nickell, he learned that over 700,000 young Americans each year face judgment for breaking the law.

In an effort to serve the community and bring hope to those who need it most, PID Thompson launched a pilot program to introduce Lions Quest to the juvenile justice system. As a court-ordered alternative to incarceration, youth on probation began participating in a customized 16-week Lions Quest course. PID Thompson says, “The Lions Quest lessons are so well done. They start with understanding who you are because we have to know ourselves to interact with others. Then they begin to talk about communication skills and how to have positive interactions.”

Following PID Thompson’s lead, a new Lions club was formed in Madisonville, Kentucky, with the sole intention of supporting Lions Quest. The club has begun implementing a pilot program utilizing Lions Quest and partnering with the juvenile justice judge of Hopkins County to offer the program to children ages 12 to 17 who have been convicted of a crime. The children are given a choice: complete the Lions Quest program or go to juvenile detention.

Since the program has been implemented, the children have experienced noticeable growth. Lion Faith Shelton, Lions Quest facilitator for the juvenile justice program, says “At first, most of them were hesitant to come and felt like they were forced to be there. However, by the third class, they were excited to be there. They wanted to be a part of the program and were asking what they can do next.”

The participants’ relationships with their parents also significantly improved. “The children used to struggle to talk to their parents but after the program, the parents expressed how they were able to have conversations they wanted to have for years. With the tools we gave the parents and children to communicate effectively, appropriately and positively, they are finally able to have a positive relationship,” says Lion Shelton.

This program extends beyond youth. According to PID Thompson, “One young man told us he didn’t know how to complete his community service requirement to get off probation, so we helped him find a solution. Years later, he graduated on time and secured a successful job. Then, he reached out to us again asking for help with budgeting. So, this is a lifelong commitment; our volunteers are making a difference in the lives of youth who then work to improve the quality of life for others in their community.”

To learn more about how Lions Quest is transforming lives, visit lions-quest.org.