RESOURCES

Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the largest and most well-known youth mentoring programs in the United States. They match young individuals with adult mentors who offer one-on-one support, guidance, and positive relationships. Through regular interactions, mentors help young people build self-esteem, make positive choices, and develop essential life skills. Click here to learn more.

YouthBuild USA is a national organization that empowers young individuals who have been involved in the justice system or faced other obstacles by providing them with education, job training, and leadership development. Participants work on community service projects, earn their GED or high school diploma, and receive vocational training to improve their employment prospects. Click here to learn more.

Youth Advocate Programs is a nationwide organization that offers community-based alternatives to youth incarceration. They provide individualized, strengths-based support to young individuals and their families, focusing on building resiliency, addressing behavioral issues, and promoting positive growth. YAP's approach is centered on empowering youth to take responsibility for their actions while fostering strong connections with supportive adult advocates. Click here to learn more.

Girls Inc. is an organization dedicated to empowering young girls and young women, including those involved in the juvenile justice system. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, Girls Inc. equips girls with the tools they need to navigate challenges, set positive goals, and build self-confidence and resilience. Their programs foster empowerment, leadership, and a positive sense of self-worth among young girls. Click here to learn more.

The Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for justice reform and the well-being of young individuals involved in the juvenile justice system. With a focus on policy analysis and advocacy, CJJ strives to ensure fair treatment and access to appropriate resources for youth, fostering a more equitable and compassionate juvenile justice system. Click here to learn more.

The Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ) is a group of organizations working to promote the rights and well-being of youth in the justice system. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, AYJ seeks to improve policies, programs, and practices to better serve and support young individuals, ultimately advocating for a more rehabilitative and restorative approach to juvenile justice. Click here to learn more.

The National Center for Youth Law is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to advancing the rights of children and young individuals through legal advocacy. Focused on systemic change, the center tackles issues related to juvenile justice, child welfare, education, and health care, striving to protect and empower vulnerable youth through transformative legal interventions. Click here to learn more.

The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a renowned national non-profit organization that champions the well-being and rights of all children, including those involved in the juvenile justice system. CDF works to ensure that every child receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive, advocating for fair and just policies that promote a brighter future for all young individuals. Click here to learn more.

Written by Cara H. Drinan, this thought-provoking book examines the flaws and failures within the American juvenile justice system, shedding light on the urgent need for reform and alternatives to punitive measures. Click here to learn more about the book.

Written by Edward Humes, this eye-opening exploration of the broken juvenile justice system in America weaves together the lives of young offenders and the challenges they face within a deeply flawed and often ineffective system. Click here to learn more about the book.

Written by Mark Oshiro, this powerful novel delves into the life of a young African American protagonist grappling with police violence and systemic injustices, shining a spotlight on the impact of such issues on marginalized communities and the urgent need for change. Click here to learn more about the book.

Written by Richard Mendel, a Senior Research Fellow for Youth Justice who aims to promote reform of our nation's youth justice systems this illuminating article part of the Sentencing Project critically analyzes the failure of youth incarceration as a solution and provides evidence-based insights on more effective alternatives for addressing juvenile delinquency. Click here to view the article.

This insightful article written by Beth McDaniel emphasizes the importance of providing support, guidance, and understanding to youth within the juvenile justice system, challenging the notion of punitive measures and highlighting the need for restorative approaches. Click here to view the article.

In this deep thought-provoking article, Makela Rodgers, a senior at the University of Southern California pursuing a double major in Public Policy and Non-Governmental Organizations & Social Change,  explores the power of poetry as a transformative tool for incarcerated individuals, highlighting the potential for art to challenge stigma and foster empathy within the justice system. Click here to view the article.

This compelling documentary directed by Ben Lear,  an award-winning filmmaker, and PBS delves into the lives of incarcerated juveniles, providing an intimate and unfiltered look at their experiences and the complexities of the juvenile justice system. Click to learn more about the documentary.

This powerful film series produced by Dan Birman and PBS follows the journeys of incarcerated juveniles as they grapple with their past actions and confront the challenges of the juvenile justice system. Through intimate storytelling, the film sheds light on the human experiences, struggles, and potential for redemption that lie within these young individuals, sparking crucial conversations about reforming the system and providing second chances. Click here to learn more about the film series.

This gripping documentary, directed by Robert May, delves into a shocking judicial scandal involving two judges in Pennsylvania. The film uncovers the disturbing truth behind the "kids for cash" scheme, where juvenile offenders were unfairly sentenced to private detention facilities for financial gain, and highlights the devastating impact of on innocent teenagers, and raises crucial questions about the flaws within the juvenile justice system. Click here to learn more about the film.