The number of young Americans in juvenile detention dropped by 77 percent over the last two decades, from more than 100,000 to just over 25,000, according to federal data published late last year. Despite this huge reduction due to changing laws and policies, experts say young people still face stubborn barriers that make it more difficult to successfully reenter society after their release from incarceration.
Advocates for child welfare reform rallied in the Capitol Monday to urge the legislature to establish a permanent child advocacy office that is not subject to the whim of a governor.
My name is Jared Cooper. I was arrested and thrown into the criminal justice system at 18 years old. Through fighting for my life and freedom, I was able to break the shackles that so effortlessly tried to hold me back. Now, my primary focus in life is health and wellness, and I currently do restorative work with a nonprofit organization, Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project (YSAP) and advocacy work as a member of Advocates for Youth Justice with Juvenile Law Center’s Youth Advocacy Program.
On December 20th, 2022 Juvenile Law Center launched our Digital Youth Advocacy Toolkit. This resource offers downloadable templates and support to people looking to start or strengthen their own youth advocacy programs, drawing on Juvenile Law Center’s years of experience with its own Youth Advocacy Program. Leading up to launch day, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Youth Advocacy Program Senior Manager, and author of the Digital Youth Advocacy Toolkit, Cathy Moffa. Below is an excerpt of our conversation.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has reached a settlement agreement with the Clock Tower Schools, clearing the way for the entity to operate at the site of the former Glen Mills Schools.
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