Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of the Youth Interview
The United States is the only country that handles life-without-parole sentences for children under 18. Moreover, youth, especially youth of color, are treated in inhumane ways while serving juvenile detention. Despite that, not all 50 states handle juvenile life sentences. So far,33 states have either banned juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) or have no one serving a juvenile life without parole sentence. It’s up to advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations to make sure the rest of the United States follows suit.
The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth promotes fair and age-appropriate sentencing practices that recognize the potential for growth and rehabilitation in youth.
Find out how The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth leads efforts to ban life without parole and other extreme sentences for children
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April 29, 2023
Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of the Youth Seeks Fair Sentencing of Youth
#525 Great.com Talks With... Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of the Youth
Sentencing youth to JLWOP is an extreme sentence that must be abolished. While youth violence remains a problem in the United States, we must abolish juvenile life-without-parole sentences and shift to alternative types of rehabilitation. That's why in today's episode, Danielle talked to Catherine Jones, Co-Director of Outreach & Partnership Development at The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth.
CFSY is a nonprofit organization that seeks to end JLWOP sentences across the United States. Their mission is to end JLWOP, as they see it as a form of extreme sentencing. Instead, CFSY's strategy is to use a multipronged approach to reform, including coalition-building, public education, advocacy efforts, and litigation to ban JLWOP.
No Child Is Born Bad
The organization firmly believes that no child is born bad. While youth people convicted of serious crimes must be held accountable, fair sentencing and common sense must prevail. They also believe that the bodies and brains of youth are still developing, and there's potential for full rehabilitation if done correctly.
A fair and just alternative to JLWOP and an opportunity to demonstrate remorse and responsibility for their action is the way to move forward with youths accused of serious crimes.
Listen to the whole interview to find out how The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth aims to end mandatory life without parole for youths. To help the organization achieves its goal, they welcome your donations.
Want to know more about The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth? Make sure to read their blog and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.