They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about when a picture leaves you speechless? This week, American University hosted Richard Ross’ photo Exhibit “Justice through a New Lens: Reframing Youth Incarceration through Art.”

Every year over 75,000 youth under 18 are prosecuted as adults in the criminal justice system.  Although judicial waiver is used in less than 5% of all cases when youth are tried as adults, this data is collected routinely at the federal level, making it easiest to track.

We have made it through the first month of 2019, and most state legislative sessions are now in full swing. As of January 31, and as in years past, proposals relating to youth prosecuted as adults are mostly, though by no means entirely, positive.

After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Speaker Pelosi extended an invitation to  President Donald Trump to deliver his second State of the Union Address on February 5. 

As January ends and we head into February, it’s time to celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month is a time to celebrate and remember all the ways that African Americans have contributed to our history and culture. 

CFYJ would like to introduce our Weekly Legislative Update. The update provides a look at the most recent legislation that has been introduced in states across the country concerning youth prosecuted as adults.

CFYJ has been undertaking a year-long effort to determine what currently happens to youth charged as adults, and what a continuum of services that would truly support these young people and their communities would look like. Check out our latest blog by CFYJ CEO Marcy Mistrett on uncovering the continuum of care for youth charged as adults.

In final days of the 115th Congress, lawmakers reauthorize the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act, updating key provisions that strengthen protections for justice- involved youth and improve public safety.