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
Police-Free Schools Movement Faces First Major Test As Students Return to Classrooms After a Traumatic Year Away
The 74
Vivió una dura infancia, creció en un ambiente violento, pero superó los obstáculos y ahora trabaja por los jóvenes
Univision
California Begins to Shut Down Its Youth Prison System
KQED
California Supreme Court upholds ban on charging teens under 16 as adults
The Mercury News
The Newly-Introduced Promyse Act Aims To Make Sure A Big Pile Of State $$ Gets To Effective Youth Programs, Not Law Enforcement
Witness LA
California plans to close troubled youth prisons after 80 years. But what comes next?
Los Angeles Times
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.