Campaign for Youth Justice

The Campaign for Youth Justice is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. The Campaign is dedicated to ending the practice of trying, sentencing and incarcerating youth under the age of 18 in the adult criminal justice system.

Each year 200,000 youth are prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system, most for non-violent crimes. Founded in 2005 by a parent whose son was transferred to the adult criminal court for prosecution, CFYJ works on the federal and state level to raise awareness and impact legislation that raises the age of juvenile court jurisdiction and reduces the number of youths in an adult system that is not meant for them.

We strongly believe that any movement must involve those who are most impacted by the laws and policies. Thus, we seek to empower those affected by encouraging them to use their voices and experiences to effect meaningful change.