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 sentencing children to die in prison:

We are determined to:

Reform
End life without parole 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.

25 Jun

Watch: 15 years of successes made possible by you.

4 Dec

15 years of the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth!

17 Jun

This year, we are excited to mark the 15th anniversary of the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth! Click below to see highlights from our past 15 years…

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Our Values

We care about the people we serve.

We have a responsibility and commitment to advancing racial justice

Directly impacted people bring crucial, unique expertise to the work and should be leaders in reform efforts, and our organization.

We can help make our society more equitable.

We want to help bring healing and contribute to communities’ wholeness.

People coming home deserve our support.

Every individual has value that must be recognized.

We believe in inclusion and embrace diversity.

Investing in staff learning and growth improves our society.

Self-care is a basic need that must be prioritized.

We are driven by our mission and commitment to justice.

We operate with authenticity.

We care about one another.

We lead with integrity and humility.

Know The Issues

Explore the issues surrounding fair sentencing, from legal cases to statistics, then learn how you can make an impact.

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Show Your Support

There is still so much work to do. Consider making a contribution now to give children the second chances they deserve.

Donate

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.

Featured Story

As a kid growing up in Southeast Chicago, Marshan Allen enjoyed fishing, hanging with friends, and even dabbling in music.

As a young person, Marshan witnessed the physical abuse of his mother, his father’s drug addiction, and eventually, started selling drugs alongside his brother. One day, a drug pickup turned robbery spiraled into Marshan stealing a car to aid in his brother’s vengeance. Although Marshan did not pull the trigger during the robbery, he was charged with two counts of first-degree felony murder and home invasion. This led to Marshan being sentenced to two counts of mandatory life without parole at the age of 15.

Learn More About ICAN

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.