Juvenile Law Center

As we wrap up #YJAM please take a look at this blog from our youth advocates working to educate people about the harms of the juvenile legal system and institutional placements. https://lnkd.in/eQCUPAYt

Highlights from the 2024 Debt Free Justice Convening https://lnkd.in/egES96vf

This Indigenous People’s Day, we celebrate the strength and vital importance of Indigenous People, their families and communities -- the traditional and original stewards of the land we stand on. This Indigenous People’s Day, we uplift the power, leadership, and strength of Indigenous youth and their communities. Today is a day of reflection on both the important role indigenous communities have played in the United States and diversity of indigenous peoples throughout our country. We also recognize that restorative justice practices we look to today as models for solving problems and repairing harm have their roots in indigenous traditions. Indigenous children have the right to be raised in accordance with their culture, religion, and traditions, and to be connected to their families and communities. We are committed to fighting with and for indigenous children and their families and transforming the state systems that harm and separate them.

A beautiful piece on Bob’s legacy by John Kelly of The Imprint: https://lnkd.in/eWUCMKYB

We thank the Inquirer for this beautiful piece on our co- founder Bob Schwartz’s life and legacy. We will honor his memory with renewed commitment in the fight for children’s rights. https://lnkd.in/eZfXWEGE

We appreciate The Imprint referencing Broken Promises: Futures Denied in its reporting. We also appreciate this call from Senator Ron Wyden. The more children that can be removed from these abusive facilities, the better. https://lnkd.in/eHz2SmNW

Learn more about our Zubrow Fellowship. Know someone who might be a good fit? Applications for the next Fellowship are due January 17th, 2025. https://lnkd.in/eHMX5Zx

Saying goodbye to our co-founder Bob Schwartz. https://lnkd.in/eaqMT-KD

Juvenile Law Center joins our friends at Community Legal Services in calling on the Pennsylvania House to pass HB2617.    Too often, foster care agencies intercept children’s benefits like social security and disability – and then spend the money themselves.    Passing H.B. 2617 will protect foster youth and ensure they have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Youth are youth and should be treated as youth. No youth should be subject to the adult criminal system. Scientific research shows key neurological and developmental differences between youth and adults that impact their ability to make decisions and fully understand the consequences of their actions. The individuals interviewed in this piece fail to appreciate these differences or the harm the adult system causes young people. Youth in adult prisons are at a greater risk of sexual and physical assault, solitary confinement, self-harm, and there is less opportunity for rehabilitation. Black and Brown youth in particular are disproportionately treated as adults and studies show that prosecuting youth in adult court does not deter future crime. https://lnkd.in/eEnsbEvY