Youth Justice
Youth Justice
NCYL works to transform the youth justice system so that it better embodies true justice and equity for children. We advance community-based, health-centered alternatives to harmful system practices and build towards a culture in which the system treats children as children. The work we do prioritizes evidence-based solutions that are proven to decrease recidivism and meet children with empathy and care.
Center Youth
NCYL provides direct services to students impacted by the youth justice system to help improve their school’s practices to better serve them. We also work directly with youth to file litigation and mobilize youth in policy advocacy and grassroots capacity building through partnerships with community-based organizations.
Legal Advocacy & Impact Litigation
Laws & Policy
Press Coverage
Kids being kids? Task force to study raising minimum age for juvenile court
Colorado Newsline
Report finds schools in L.A. County's youth justice system lacking
EdSource
Colorado kids as young as 10 are being locked up. Child advocates want to set the minimum age at 13.
Colorado Sun
How to Break the Juvenile Detention Cycle: New Research Shows a Way
EdWeek
Changes to California's youth prison system prove difficult to implement
EdSource
California moves to phase out its state-run youth prisons
Associated Press
Related Resources
Expanded Confidentiality and Sealing Provisions for Youth Police Records
Miranda Rights - Protection Guides for Youth and Professionals
Youth Justice In California: Obstacles to a Public Health Approach
District Leadership Checklist for Supporting the Unique Needs of Students in Foster Care, Experiencing Homelessness or in the Juvenile Justice System
Ending Endless Probation
Where We Focus
Contribute Today
Help us realize our mission to Center Youth and create a world where every child thrives.