UTEC’s Post

At TCRP, we envision a future where we prioritize care and support for our children over incarceration, where they are not subjected to violence, harm, and violations of their constitutional rights. Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division highlighted this issue by releasing a report that found multiple unconstitutional conditions at five Texas juvenile justice facilities. The report highlights the severe and systemic abuse that has, for far too long, gone unnoticed by everyone except those close enough to the children to know. By prioritizing care for children and their families, we can create just and compassionate systems of support for our youth that do not perpetuate cycles of trauma. Listen here: https://bit.ly/4cyR7FX

As we reflect on 2023, we are reminded that our mission to support the self-determination, power and liberation of Black, Brown, AAPI and Indigenous youth impacted by the youth justice, family policing and other disruptive systems is critical to realizing true liberation. Learn about the ways we supported an abolitionist framework, including insights from grantee partners in our year in review. https://buff.ly/48Grm5a #YearInReview #AFF #youthjustice

Today the Young Advocates, supported by @the_AYJ @LeadersUnlocked, publish their latest report! They present findings from peer-to-peer engagement with 90 children & young people, & recommendations to improve the justice system. Read the report here: https://bit.ly/YA-2024

Although the #collegestudents on #college and #university campuses are older than these #youthactivists, they are still practicing the same bravery and organization they are. History, as well as early #justive movements have always changed the trajectory of this country's future. All power to the people! #youth #youthactivists #activism #organizing #equity #justice #socialjustice #historymakers #revolution #onthisday

We believe that children and young people should be consulted about their experiences of the Criminal Justice System. The Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ) have done this through their Young Advocates project, publishing their latest report, led by children and young people. Find out what young people have to say: https://lnkd.in/e7hjrqy8

In the journey of Juvenile Justice reform, it's crucial to block out the noise and distractions. Transforming a system to better serve our youth and families demands our full attention and dedication. We must focus on the incredible work happening daily—those small wins and consistent efforts that drive real change. It's easy to get sidetracked by occasional failures or negative voices. Instead, let's use those detractors and naysayers as motivation to not just meet our goals, but to exceed them. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Any lasting, positive change takes time, persistence, and unwavering commitment. Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep pushing forward. The impact we make today will shape a better tomorrow for our youth and their families #JuvenileJusticeReform #FocusOnThePositive #PersistenceAndPatience #YouthEmpowerment #SystemTransformation

Maryland Youth Advisory Council Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Rev. Dr. Marlon Tilghman Maryland Youth Justice Coalition Legislators, Community Advocates, Impacted People. What/Why: Press Conference of Executive Report. Leaders who are serious about safety will recognize that effective responses must be informed by facts, not fears. This report, one year after the state enacted its most important juvenile justice reforms in a generation, offers a timely reminder of what is known about youth crime in Maryland, our state’s history of mass incarceration and racial disparities, and the effectiveness of age-appropriate supports and services in reducing unwanted behavior among young people. When it comes to public safety, what’s best for kids is best for everyone. Passing the YES Act, funding a robust continuum of services to support the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, and preserving the Child Interrogation Protection Act will help young people make better choices and make all Marylanders safer. Policymakers must take action now—and being serious about safety requires them to be guided by facts, not fears. The Maryland Youth Justice Coalition (MYJC) is calling upon lawmakers to enhance public safety by: Restoring, expanding, and coordinating access to age-appropriate supports and services for children and teens, Preserving the Juvenile Justice Reform Act and the Child Interrogation Protection Act, and Advancing the Youth Equity and Safety Act (YES Act) to keep minors out of the adult criminal legal system unless a judge has intentionally sent them there. Conclusion High rates of crime by young people are unacceptable. But so are policy responses that ignore the facts and lead to higher rates of incarceration, increased levels of recidivism, and shameful racial disparities. Recent reforms have set our state on the right path; it is crucially important that nationwide phenomena—ignited in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic—not divert us from this progress, which the nonprofit organization Human Rights for Kids singled out in its 2022 National State Ratings Report: ‘‘In 2020 we labeled Maryland among the ‘worst human rights offenders’ in the country and challenged it to be better. In the intervening years, Maryland took that challenge to heart.These valiant efforts earned Maryland the distinction of being named the ‘Most Improved State’ in our ratings this year. Furthermore, Maryland has now cemented itself among the best in the nation when it comes to safeguarding the human rights of children in the criminal justice system.” Because when it comes to public safety, what’s best for kids is best for everyone. All followers https://lnkd.in/efXjmMKH

TCRP envisions a future where we prioritize care and support for our children over incarceration, where they are subject to violence, harm, and violations of their constitutional rights. Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division demonstrated this by releasing a report finding multiple unconstitutional conditions at five Texas juvenile justice facilities. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/g8X_BKzE TCRP stresses the urgency of finding alternatives to locking children up and subjecting them to violence and terror. The report highlights thousands of cases of abuse that have for far too long gone unnoticed by everyone except those close enough to the children to know. By prioritizing care for children and their families, we can create just and compassionate systems of support for our youth that will not perpetuate cycles of trauma.

"Reflecting on a year of progress in Juvenile Justice – grateful for the strides made toward positive change. As we embark on a new year, let's fuel our commitment to reform, ensuring the best outcomes for our youth. Together, let's shape a system that fosters growth, rehabilitation, and lasting success. Here's to a year of continued action and success in the pursuit of justice. #JuvenileJusticeReform #NewYearAction"

Tomorrow night in Boston: Strategies for Youth, A Conversation Led by Youth: Law Enforcement, Transparency & Accountability Tuesday, September 24 6 to 8 PM  More Than Words Bookstore at 242 East Berkeley St, Boston Strategies For Youth, a national nonprofit focused on helping communities thrive by improving interactions between young people and police through research, training, and policy reform, along with More Than Words, are co-hosting a conversation between young people and a former NYPD police officer, Edwin Raymond, author of An Inconvenient Cop. An Inconvenient Cop, named a Best Nonfiction Book of 2023 by the Washington Post, "courageously bears witness to and exposes institutional violence. It presents a vision of radical hope and makes the case for a world in which the police’s responsibility is not to arrest numbers but to the people."   Sign-ups are free for the event and seats are limited, so please register here: https://lnkd.in/gYVjpt8M