June 18, 2025
The ASPiRE Intervention Program at the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) was established by Dr. Deyonta Johnson, Director of Violence Intervention. The program, known as ASPiRE, was launched on June 19, 2023, at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center. ASPiRE Academy is a seasonal intervention program offered at least three times annually, depending on the academic calendar of the Yvonne B. Miller High School. The program's primary objective is to reduce or eliminate deviant behavior among youth by promoting positive peer interaction, leadership development, and life skills that prepare residents to be responsible and engaged in their community upon reentry.
Participation begins with a formal application process. Residents submit applications through their assigned counselors. These applications undergo a comprehensive review based on specific criteria to include demonstrated at least a mixed feeling to want to change, amendable to intensive gang intervention programming, and must be a gang involved resident to determine eligibility. Eligibility is based on the applicant’s need for additional support and program suitability. The application process was intentionally designed to equitably consider each applicant.
The ASPiRE Intervention Program is structured into three phases, each building upon the previous to support the overall goal of behavioral reform. Upon acceptance, participants are required to memorize the program’s history, mission, guiding principles, and a poem, I Aspire by Nicoletta Klokkari.
Phase 1 consists of a two-week intensive intervention academy. Sixteen residents are initially grouped into two cohorts of eight, based on compatibility and minimal risk of disruptive behavior. During the first week, each group participates in discussions and activities centered on gang and violence intervention, leadership development, collaborative learning, recreational activities, and pro-social engagement. In the second week, the groups merge to apply learned skills as newly integrated group members. This phase concludes with a certificate of completion and celebration.
Phase 2 involves weekly circle up group sessions. Participants who successfully complete this activity receive a certificate. Participants may advance to the final stage if they demonstrated consistent positive behavior, actively participated, and contributed to a constructive unit environment.
In Phase 3, eligible participants transition into the ASPiRE housing unit, this phase includes access to an incentive program, where participants can earn branded attire, like socks, t-shirts, and slides, and also attend monthly events.
During Phase 3 consistent check-ins are scheduled to review personal progress on the housing unit by the assigned violence intervention specialist. Participants are responsible for tracking their behavior and submitting incentive request forms to their counselors, which are subsequently reviewed by Dr. Johnson. Youth remain in this phase until they complete their Length of Stay (LOS) at Bon Air. Continued support is provided during their transition to group homes or other facilities. Each youth is assigned a specialist who monitors progress post-transition, with check-ins focusing on gang intervention goals and reinforcement of Phase 1 content. As Dr. Johnson emphasized, “Gang-involved youth need a lot of support, and the specialists will act as support in conjunction with the youth’s probation officer.”
Participation in the ASPiRE Intervention Program entails specific behavioral and academic requirements. Residents must complete all assignments and maintain exemplary conduct to remain active in the program. Non-compliance results in removal from the program. The curriculum is structured and includes leadership development training, Arise-an evidence-based gang and violence intervention curriculum, and From Destitute to Debonair, authored by Dr. Johnson.
When asked how program success is measured, Dr. Johnson reported that outcomes are assessed based on a reduction in deviant behavior among participants. He noted a significant decline in aggressive incidents within the program, indicating its effectiveness in addressing high-risk behaviors among incarcerated youth. This year, the ASPiRE Summer Academy will begin its fifth cohort. Dr. Johnson anticipates continued success and growth as the program expands its resources and capacity to support more at-risk youth.
