Judge Raíssa Amaral launches youth prevention project in Cáceres

Judge Raíssa Silva Santos Amaral, of the 4th Civil Court in Cáceres, Mato Grosso, is coordinating the ‘Antes da Escolha’ (Before the Choice) project. The initiative targets students from the 6th to 9th grades in state schools to prevent school dropout and early involvement in criminal activities.

The project was developed following the judge's observations in the 4th Criminal Court, where she noted that many youths entering the justice system had histories of school abandonment, drug use, and exposure to violence. Through lectures and interactive activities, the program encourages adolescents to reflect on how small decisions can impact their future trajectories, focusing on themes such as peer pressure, drug use, and life planning.

A recent session was held at the Frei Ambrósio State Civic-Military School in Cáceres to engage students in these preventive discussions.