We can end youth incarceration. We’ve already started.
Since 2000, youth incarceration has dropped 75%. We want 100%.
Youth First Justice Collaborative is a national network of campaigns committed to ending youth incarceration by dismantling the youth prison model, shutting down youth facilities and reallocating resources to effective community-based programs. Our shared vision: #NoKidsInPrison.
Youth First Justice Collaborative’s 2024 Grassroots Assembly
Funding
Since 2016, we have granted more than $8 million to organizing campaigns working to end youth incarceration.
Technical assistance
We work with partners and experts in the field to support state campaigns in strengthening their structure, strategy and organizing.
Youth leadership
We put the next generation front and center through our Youth Leaders Advisory Board and youth organizing fellowship.
State of the System
The research is clear: Youth prisons don’t work.
Young people in prison are isolated from family, loved ones and community to the tune of more than $200,000 taxpayer dollars per child. That’s 1250% more than we spend on average to educate a child, all to fund a system that’s failing.
Our Vision
A future without youth prisons isn’t a dream. It’s a reality.
In cities and states across the country, communities have already created alternatives to putting kids in prison. We can replicate those models, protecting kids, saving money and reducing crime.
