Upcoming October 12 — Advocacy Director James Dold will participate in Reelworld’s Media for Impact Conference in Toronto to discuss how the CFSY used the film 15 to Life in our advocacy efforts. October 13 — Youth Justice Advocate Xavier McElrath-Bey will deliver a presentation to juvenile lifers, fellow advocates and others at San Quentin State Prison. […]
It has been nearly 30 years since two 15-year-old boys killed my daughter, Cathy. One of those misguided teens, Gary Brown, was released from prison approximately six years ago. As we observe National Victim Rights Awareness Week through Saturday (April 16), I am grateful that Gary has a new chance to live a productive life […]
Utah has banned the practice of sentencing children to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gov. Gary Herbert signed into law HB 405, which was sponsored by Rep. V. Lowry Snow. Utah is the second state to ban the practice this year, following South Dakota. They join states such as Wyoming, Nevada and […]
South Dakota has banned the practice of sentencing children to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed SB 140 sponsored by Sen. Craig Tieszen, into law on Wednesday. In making this change, South Dakota joins states such as Wyoming, Nevada and West Virginia in implementing less punitive accountability measures for […]
CFSY Youth Justice Advocate Xavier McElrath-Bey accepts a surprise award at the 2015 Healing & Hope Awards reception. The Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network (ICAN) Healing & Hope Award recognized Xavier’s leadership in building a national network of formerly incarcerated youth and helping to shift the narrative about children who have spent time in prison. Xavier’s […]
Jeanne Bishop’s pregnant sister and brother-in-law were killed by a teenager, who was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Jeanne has since become a leading advocate for banning the sentence and ensuring that all children have an opportunity for review. She is author of Change of Heart: Mercy, Justice and Making Peace with […]
Rabia Chaudry accepts the 2015 Healing & Hope Award. Rabia is the public advocate for Adnan Syed, who was sentenced to life in prison in Maryland at 17 and is the center of the global phenomenon podcast “Serial.” Rabia also is co-host of the podcast “Undisclosed.”
Andre Williams, of Washington, D.C., and his pro-bono attorneys from Arnold & Porter LLP, accept the 2015 Healing & Hope Award during the CFSY’s annual reception on November 10. Andre was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for drug-related crimes committed as a teenager. He became eligible for relief after the U.S. […]
Last week’s annual convening highlighted the broad, diverse power of our movement as directly impacted individuals, litigators, advocates, policymakers and other partners came together to discuss where we are as a movement and chart a plan for moving forward. More than 140 people from 28 states and the District of Columbia joined us for three […]
The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth applauds Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley and the Senate Judiciary Committee for passing the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015 from the committee today, October 22. We are hopeful that Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell will quickly move the bill to the Senate floor for a vote so […]
