"Remember, it is easier to build a youth than to repair an adult." Lousiana Office of Youth Development website

While traveling, ArtCarTraz hopes to raise awareness about the important benefits of institutional arts programming. "Arts-based programs for juvenile offenders are highly empowering and transforming for the participants," said Grady Hillman, Founder of the Southwest Correctional Arts Network. "These programs reduce the risk factors that cause youth to be susceptible to crime by increasing communication skills, conflict management techniques, and positive peer associations. Every evaluation study in this area confirms that arts programs are as effective in deterring juvenile crime as any other juvenile justice treatment methodology."

In addition to being a unique art project, by designing and painting the car in order to raise money to benefit a separate population of underserved and at-risk youth, ArtCarTraz will enable these juvenile offenders to engage in the process of restorative justice by using their efforts and talents to give back to the community.