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Juvenile Law Center is currently accepting applications for young people who have been involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare system to join our youth engagement programs, Juveniles for Justice and Youth Fostering Change!

It’s a simple fact that kids make mistakes. Think back to what you did during your own adolescence: would you do the same today?

Unfortunately, when kids’ mistakes result in involvement with the justice system, the consequences can last for a lifetime. Juvenile records can throw up roadblocks to employment, housing, and higher education, substantially diminishing opportunities for young people to become productive members of their communities. At the same time, conditions such as solitary confinement and involvement in the adult criminal justice system can traumatize youth and make it even harder for them to succeed once they return home.    

New bi-partisan legislation introduced this week by Senators Corey Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-Ky) aims to provide these youth some relief.

During his time in foster care, Jarrett changed schools six times. One of these moves occurred three weeks before the end of the semester. Because his school records didn’t arrive at his new school on time, Jarrett was not granted permission to take final exams or complete final projects for his courses. His GPA plummeted from 3.6 to 1.4 due to the missing coursework.

There are countless other foster youth like Jarrett—youth who are bounced from living placement to living placement, typically changing schools each time.

Joe Ligon is a 75-year-old inmate who was condemned to die in a prison in Philadelphia over six decades ago for a murder he witnessed, but did not commit. With no disciplinary infractions and serious health issues, including cancer, he is a gentle man whose continued confinement aptly illustrates the insanity of these extreme sentencing practices.

Increasing the number of foster youth who graduate from college is a critical goal. As we know, earning a bachelor's degree creates a path to job stability, success, and higher earnings—a path that should and must be open to these youth.

In an effort to meet this goal, our Youth Fostering Change Youth Advocates devoted their 2012-2013 program year to helping foster youth in Philadelphia better plan their educational futures.