Youth Foundation and Slain Teen's Mother Launch Emergency Forum to Combat Violence Surge with Restorative Justice Initiative
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- Nov 7
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Youth Foundation and Slain Teen's Mother Launch Emergency Forum to Combat Violence Surge with Restorative Justice Initiative
WEST VALLEY, Utah (AP) — Nov. 7, 2025 — The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation (YPJF), also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, today announced an emergency community forum and a new strategic initiative to address the unprecedented surge in youth violence following the tragic double homicide at the recent Halloween party resulting in the untimely death of two promising lives.
The initiative is co-led by Jennifer Diaz, mother of victim, Javen Ryan Welcher. Ms. Diaz will serve as a primary speaker at the forum and has committed to acting as the primary project contact person in West Valley City, ensuring the program is driven by local needs and accountability—a core tenet of the Foundation's Youth Impact Model (YIM).
Daniel Chapin, National Director of the YPJF, stated, "Our YIM is moving decisively into its prevention phase by prioritizing restorative justice principles to fundamentally change how conflict is managed. We are building capacity for peace by making our youth and community leaders the architects of that change."
A Call for Collaborative Action and New Structures
The Foundation emphasizes that resolving this crisis requires a unified community effort. The emergency forum serves as a critical working session where local leaders will make commitments to the plan. Special invitations are being extended to local law enforcement, government officials, and school leaders to participate actively. Special attention will also be given to maximizing youth participation, ensuring their perspectives shape the final implementation.
The strategic plan focuses on systemic change through three pillars:
1. Restorative Justice at the Core of Healing:
The initiative’s Grief & Conflict Resolution Workshops will incorporate restorative justice methodology. This approach shifts focus from punitive measures to accountability and repairing the harm caused to victims and the community, facilitating non-violent resolution dialogue. Symbolic actions like Youth-Led Memorials and Peace Walks will reinforce community solidarity.
2. Institutionalizing Youth Leadership via the West Valley Safety Coalition:
The YPJF and Ms. Diaz are establishing a permanent West Valley Safety Coalition. This multi-stakeholder body, co-chaired by Ms. Diaz, will include a dedicated Youth Advisory Board seat, institutionalizing the youth voice in policy decisions, resource allocation, and lobbying for crucial preventative infrastructure.
3. Immediate Action and Accountability:
The Foundation continues its immediate response by establishing the Victim’s Family Resilience Fund for long-term psychological support and launching a Rapid Response Protocol—a community team trained to immediately de-escalate crisis situations and interrupt the cycle of retaliatory violence.
Jennifer Diaz stated, "This is about turning pain into power. We are asking our community to look beyond the immediate anger and join us in learning how to truly heal and hold each other accountable through dialogue, not violence. This effort is for Javen, and for every child who deserves a safe future."
Event Details (TBD)
The emergency community forum is scheduled to be held at a time and location To Be Determined (TBD). Residents are urged to monitor the Foundation’s website and local media for the final announcement of the date and venue.
About the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation:
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing youth and school-related violence through its Youth Impact Model, which focuses on immediate crisis response, community healing, and long-term prevention initiatives.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation
Uvalde Foundation For Kids
Charity ID 88-3268749
254-499-8027
