Our Youth Advocacy Program is at the heart of the work we do each and every day here at Juvenile Law Center. Here are a few examples of their incredible work.


 

Taking the Fight to the Capitol

What if families didn't have to be separated for children to be cared for? What if kinship guardians were given better access to supportive services? In September, our youth advocates challenged legislators to grapple with these questions as they seek to reform the child welfare system.

Debt Free Justice National Convening 2023

On the heels of a ground-breaking Dear Colleague letter from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention that called for the elimination of fines and fees for youth in the justice system, our youth advocacy alumni and Juvenile Law Center staff met with advocates and leaders from around the country to amplify a call to pass the Eliminating Debtors Prison for Kids Bill introduced in Congress. 

Political leaders on both sides of the aisle understand the harms of fines and fees on youth and the collateral consequences youth face when these burdens become too much to bear. Learn more about our national campaign and see where your state stands in the fight to end fines and fees for youth.

 

DFJ National Convening

Changing the Narrative on Youth

Our youth advocates understand what it takes to cut through the noise. In order to build a world where all youth can thrive, visionaries are needed to lead the way. Take a look at some of the freedom dreams our young leaders have shared.