NO CHILD SHOULD SPEND LIFE IN PRISON

The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY) is a national nonprofit that leads efforts to ban juvenile life without parole and other extreme sentences for children. The CFSY works to dismantle the racial disparities, social injustices, and residual harms caused by the legal system. Through partnerships with advocacy organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders, the CFSY supports survivors of youth violence, those incarcerated as children who are still serving or have been released, and their respective families and communities.

A majority of U.S. states have abandoned juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) which sentences children to die in prison:

We are determined to:

Reform
End juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) and other extreme sentences for children in the United States and work for equitable and meaningful implementation of these reforms.
Heal
Create meaningful and holistic opportunities for individuals directly impacted by youth violence and extreme sentencing of youth to experience healing, wellness, and access to prosperity.
Reclaim
Reclaim the narrative and expand the realm of social concern through proximity, truth-telling, and cross-sector education and cultivation.
Embody
Be an organization that embodies our values and promotes anti-racism, racial equity, diversity, inclusion, social justice, collective wellness, and the leadership of directly impacted individuals.

NEWS

View recent news and expert commentary written by the CFSY team.

Highlights from 2025

7 Jan

The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY) continued to grow and evolve in 2025, thanks to the power of our community. We remained focused on racial justice…

2025 Freedom Celebration

1 Dec

New Report Shows the Power of Restorative Justice

2 Oct

View All

Meet members of

ICAN (Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network) is a network of leaders who were incarcerated as children including many who were sentenced to juvenile life without parole. Now, they’re informing our efforts, communicating their personal stories, and driving efforts to create positive change within their communities.

Lorenzo translates and transcribes braille.

Craig is an active community member with a 3-year career.

Jamo feeds hundreds of families.

Machelle mentors women and girls who experience domestic violence.

Ashlee is a restorative justice facilitator for young people.

Christi works for the Louisiana Parole Project, supporting those released on parole.

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Join The Cause

At the CFSY, we’re on the front lines working to ensure that children are held accountable in fair, age-appropriate ways. You can join us. Learn how to get involved and help us make a real difference in the lives of individuals who were incarcerated as children, their families, and all people affected by injustices in the system.