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Pennsylvania is one of only 13 states with no limit on how young a juvenile can be tried in adult court and exposed to adult jails and prisons. In Lawrence County in 2009, for example, 11-year-old Jordan Brown was charged in adult court for the fatal shooting of his father’s fiancee. He was too young to shave but faced a mandatory life sentence.

The advocacy organizations underlined egregious conditions children are facing.

The number of young people detained at Philadelphia’s juvenile jail has reached “unprecedented levels,” with more than 30 children sleeping on floors and living amid conditions that will cause “serious harm” if unaddressed, the City of Philadelphia said in a recent court filing as part of its ongoing lawsuit against the state.

Five years ago, I met a friend for dinner in New York City. Before we went inside, my friend offered to share a joint. As I was holding the joint, an unmarked car pulled up. Four police officers came toward me, and I dropped the joint. I was arrested, handcuffed, taken to the police station, and put in a holding cell before being charged and released pending a hearing.

Amici who joined effort to defend the Indian Child Welfare Act respond to Supreme Court ruling.

Philadelphia, PA (June 14, 2023) – Youth advocacy organizers with the Debt Free Justice Campaign recently received four Telly Awards for two of their films documenting the harms of juvenile fees and fines imposed on youth and families. Specifically, Kansas organizers with the group Progeny received awards and accolades.

From now until Sunday, Philadelphia’s Cherry Street Pier is home to an art installation in which young people who have served time in prison are the focus. NBC10’s Rosemary Connors shows us the message they want to convey.