Mission

Our staff members envision a world where the response to youth who get in trouble with the law is developmentally appropriate, free of racial and ethnic bias, and focused on building strengths that help youth avoid further involvement with the justice system. Our work is currently focused on three main areas: 1. Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system 2. reducing the unnecessary and inappropriate incarceration of children and 3. eliminating dangerous and inhumane practices for youth in custody Our staff members pursue a range of different activities to achieve these goals, including training, technical assistance, administrative and legislative advocacy, research, writing, media outreach, and public education.