CJCJ Youth Spotlight: Lalime X, DDAP

We are pleased to expand our ​“Meet CJCJ” section to include youth success stories. Below you will meet Lalime X, a young person who worked with case manager Carlos Jackson through our Detention Diversion Advocacy Program (DDAP). In 1993, CJCJ developed DDAP to reduce unnecessary youth detention and lengths of stay, and to increase community engagement with youth coming out of the juvenile justice system. DDAP was the first evidence-based pre-adjudication diversion program for high risk youth in the nation. We offer intensive case management, mentorship, and connections to community resources. 

Lalime was recently successfully dismissed from probation due to completing his supervision requirements. We are proud of him, and wanted to lift up his hard work and continued efforts. While he has ​“completed” probation, DDAP is unique in that we will continue to support Lalime with his goals until he feels he no longer needs our support. Keep growing Lalime, we see you!

Name & Age: Lalime X, I’m 16 years old

How long have you been connected with DDAP through your case manager Carlos? I’ve been connected with Carlos since April 2024 and that was when I had my first interaction with the court/​the system.

What has Carlos helped you with since you’ve worked with him? Carlos has helped me with connections from getting a summer job, to also connecting me with some real estate agents since I am interested in real estate. He’s also helped me by giving me advice and clarifying things I didn’t understand from time to time. He’s helped have a better outlook on things that go on in life. He’s also helped me by being a phenomenal mentor towards me and finding every way to help me become a better person.

What are some of your interests & goals? My interest are videos games, socializing, and being outside with friends and associates. My goal is to become financially free so I can enjoy my time how I want, and also to help my family, friends, and the community.

When do you get off probation? April of 2025

Do you have a favorite subject in school? I don’t really have a favorite subject, but if I had to choose it would be p.e because I like playing sports and fun activities.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years? I see myself being an improved person, learning from my mistakes. I see myself making wise money decisions and using my network to the best of my abilities. I see myself still connected with all my mentors and asking for advice still, then also looking out for my family and friends. I also see myself being financially stable and independent and also possibly in an HBCU or trading school.

Favorite quote: ​“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything”. — Malcolm X

Learn more about our work through DDAP on their program page. You can also learn about Carlos Simpson Sr, Lalime’s case manager via one of our newsletter pieces from last year. Thank you to Carlos and everyone at DDAP for working with young people at the intersections of the justice system and community to build better futures.