Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth
@thecfsy.bsky.social
We're working to ban life without parole and other extreme sentences for children in the United States. https://cfsy.org/
We held our Freedom Celebration in Philly this week and are holding tremendous gratitude for everyone who made this celebration possible. It was full of connection, reflection, excursions, and dancing. A special thanks to our partners at the Tow Foundation and to our Philadelphia community! 💛
November 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM
We held our Freedom Celebration in Philly this week and are holding tremendous gratitude for everyone who made this celebration possible. It was full of connection, reflection, excursions, and dancing. A special thanks to our partners at the Tow Foundation and to our Philadelphia community! 💛
Last month, we hosted our first-ever Survivors' Retreat, a gathering dedicated to individuals who have lost loved ones or been directly impacted by youth violence.
Over 30 new and long-time members of our community came together, forging a bond over just a few days.
Over 30 new and long-time members of our community came together, forging a bond over just a few days.
November 6, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Last month, we hosted our first-ever Survivors' Retreat, a gathering dedicated to individuals who have lost loved ones or been directly impacted by youth violence.
Over 30 new and long-time members of our community came together, forging a bond over just a few days.
Over 30 new and long-time members of our community came together, forging a bond over just a few days.
The CFSY is seeking a purpose-driven individual to join our Board of Directors! We welcome candidates with professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing who are committed to advancing justice and second chances.
November 5, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The CFSY is seeking a purpose-driven individual to join our Board of Directors! We welcome candidates with professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing who are committed to advancing justice and second chances.
A powerful new study in the Journal of Criminal Justice, "Incarcerated as a child, reentering as an adult," details the immense challenges life-sentenced children face upon release, from navigating a world transformed by technology to rebuilding family relationships and more.
October 7, 2025 at 6:15 PM
A powerful new study in the Journal of Criminal Justice, "Incarcerated as a child, reentering as an adult," details the immense challenges life-sentenced children face upon release, from navigating a world transformed by technology to rebuilding family relationships and more.
After losing her brother to youth violence, Becky Kling Feldman embarked on a journey through grief, outrage, accountability, and finally, peace. 25 years later, she had a message for the individual responsible for her brother's death: "I'm rooting for you." baltimorebrew.com/2025/09/08/t...
To the teen who killed my brother | Baltimore Brew
Twenty-five years after Lenny Kling’s death, his sister reflects on grief, accountability and redemption in Baltimore’s justice system and how her career path – as a public defender, then city prosecu...
baltimorebrew.com
October 3, 2025 at 3:10 PM
After losing her brother to youth violence, Becky Kling Feldman embarked on a journey through grief, outrage, accountability, and finally, peace. 25 years later, she had a message for the individual responsible for her brother's death: "I'm rooting for you." baltimorebrew.com/2025/09/08/t...
Our coalition met with 30+ congressional offices this week to defend IRAA, a proven second-chance law for youth in DC.
This isn't a partisan fight. IRAA is based on GOP-led reforms & makes our communities SAFER.
Take action now: representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
This isn't a partisan fight. IRAA is based on GOP-led reforms & makes our communities SAFER.
Take action now: representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
October 1, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Our coalition met with 30+ congressional offices this week to defend IRAA, a proven second-chance law for youth in DC.
This isn't a partisan fight. IRAA is based on GOP-led reforms & makes our communities SAFER.
Take action now: representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
This isn't a partisan fight. IRAA is based on GOP-led reforms & makes our communities SAFER.
Take action now: representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
Last week, our Legal & Policy team we're in Detroit for the Second Look Network Conference and in Lansing to meet with state legislators. They had the opportunity to host an ICAN & NFN gathering, creating a space to connect, share updates, and look at the work ahead in Michigan.
September 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Last week, our Legal & Policy team we're in Detroit for the Second Look Network Conference and in Lansing to meet with state legislators. They had the opportunity to host an ICAN & NFN gathering, creating a space to connect, share updates, and look at the work ahead in Michigan.
URGENT: A House bill repealing DC's successful youth sentencing reforms has passed committee and awaits a full vote. Now, a companion bill has been filed in the Senate.
We need your help. Tell your Senator to vote NO and protect redemption. representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
We need your help. Tell your Senator to vote NO and protect redemption. representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
September 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
URGENT: A House bill repealing DC's successful youth sentencing reforms has passed committee and awaits a full vote. Now, a companion bill has been filed in the Senate.
We need your help. Tell your Senator to vote NO and protect redemption. representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
We need your help. Tell your Senator to vote NO and protect redemption. representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa/
R Street outlines evidence that trying and sentencing children as adults would increase costs without increasing public safety. Across the political spectrum, groups are urging Congress to vote no on current proposals to reverse progress in DC.
September 17, 2025 at 6:31 PM
R Street outlines evidence that trying and sentencing children as adults would increase costs without increasing public safety. Across the political spectrum, groups are urging Congress to vote no on current proposals to reverse progress in DC.
Our partners at the Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project (YASP), have released a groundbreaking report about Philadelphia's first ever youth-focused restorative justice diversion program. Discover how healing, accountability, and redemption can transform lives: www.yasproject.com/art/healing-...
September 16, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Our partners at the Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project (YASP), have released a groundbreaking report about Philadelphia's first ever youth-focused restorative justice diversion program. Discover how healing, accountability, and redemption can transform lives: www.yasproject.com/art/healing-...
Now that H.R. 5242 has passed out of the House Oversight Committee, IRAA continues to be at risk of being appealed. We need your help - tell your representative to protect second chances for kids in DC and vote no on H.R. 5242: representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa
September 12, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Now that H.R. 5242 has passed out of the House Oversight Committee, IRAA continues to be at risk of being appealed. We need your help - tell your representative to protect second chances for kids in DC and vote no on H.R. 5242: representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/iraa
Reposted by Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth
Make the calls today!
🚨 URGENT 🚨
HAPPENING TODAY: This morning, Wednesday 9/10, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of DC's Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and other life-changing second chance laws.
HAPPENING TODAY: This morning, Wednesday 9/10, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of DC's Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and other life-changing second chance laws.
September 10, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Make the calls today!
🚨 URGENT 🚨
HAPPENING TODAY: This morning, Wednesday 9/10, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of DC's Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and other life-changing second chance laws.
HAPPENING TODAY: This morning, Wednesday 9/10, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of DC's Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and other life-changing second chance laws.
September 10, 2025 at 12:27 PM
🚨 URGENT 🚨
HAPPENING TODAY: This morning, Wednesday 9/10, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of DC's Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and other life-changing second chance laws.
HAPPENING TODAY: This morning, Wednesday 9/10, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of DC's Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and other life-changing second chance laws.
Reposted by Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth
The Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act is good policy
Research shows that teens are more reward sensitive, more impulsive, more influenced by peers, less able to regulate their emotions & are capable of change
Please vote no on the repeal
#NoChildBornBad
@thecfsy.bsky.social
@pelosi.house.gov
Research shows that teens are more reward sensitive, more impulsive, more influenced by peers, less able to regulate their emotions & are capable of change
Please vote no on the repeal
#NoChildBornBad
@thecfsy.bsky.social
@pelosi.house.gov
The past few weeks have presented a critical opportunity to champion D.C’s landmark youth justice laws, and we’re proud to share how CFSY’s Co-Director of Outreach and Member Services, Eddie Ellis, has done exactly that in the @washingtonpost.com
September 10, 2025 at 1:26 AM
The Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act is good policy
Research shows that teens are more reward sensitive, more impulsive, more influenced by peers, less able to regulate their emotions & are capable of change
Please vote no on the repeal
#NoChildBornBad
@thecfsy.bsky.social
@pelosi.house.gov
Research shows that teens are more reward sensitive, more impulsive, more influenced by peers, less able to regulate their emotions & are capable of change
Please vote no on the repeal
#NoChildBornBad
@thecfsy.bsky.social
@pelosi.house.gov
ACTION ALERT! ⚠️ Tomorrow morning, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of Washington, DC’s second chance laws, including the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA), which has been lifesaving for many on a road to redemption.
September 10, 2025 at 1:04 AM
ACTION ALERT! ⚠️ Tomorrow morning, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will decide the future of Washington, DC’s second chance laws, including the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA), which has been lifesaving for many on a road to redemption.
CFSY's Angel Alejandro marks his 6th Freedom Anniversary after surviving 21 ½ years in federal prison for a crime he committed at just 15 years old. Reflecting on his journey, Angel shares: "Growing up is hard, but growing up inside a United States Penitentiary is soul-crushing.
September 4, 2025 at 5:52 PM
CFSY's Angel Alejandro marks his 6th Freedom Anniversary after surviving 21 ½ years in federal prison for a crime he committed at just 15 years old. Reflecting on his journey, Angel shares: "Growing up is hard, but growing up inside a United States Penitentiary is soul-crushing.
In a powerful panel at this years NCSL Legislative Summit, CFSY's Donnell Drinks shared how restorative justice is working outside of the traditional legal system to address harm at its root while creating space for reconciliation and healing.
September 3, 2025 at 7:06 PM
In a powerful panel at this years NCSL Legislative Summit, CFSY's Donnell Drinks shared how restorative justice is working outside of the traditional legal system to address harm at its root while creating space for reconciliation and healing.
The past few weeks have presented a critical opportunity to champion D.C’s landmark youth justice laws, and we’re proud to share how CFSY’s Co-Director of Outreach and Member Services, Eddie Ellis, has done exactly that in the @washingtonpost.com
August 29, 2025 at 5:04 PM
The past few weeks have presented a critical opportunity to champion D.C’s landmark youth justice laws, and we’re proud to share how CFSY’s Co-Director of Outreach and Member Services, Eddie Ellis, has done exactly that in the @washingtonpost.com
Reposted by Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth
Second-look laws provide a chance for people who went to prison as children to show they are ready to safely return home. In DC, IRAA has empowered people to give back to their communities as youth mentors and violence interrupters.
Read more in @washingtonpost
Read more in @washingtonpost
In the @washingtonpost.com, CFSY’s Eddie Ellis explains how D.C.’s second-look youth sentencing laws make us all safer. “Many of the beneficiaries of second-chance laws have gone on to help prevent the very crimes that once defined our lives,” writes Eddie.
August 29, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Second-look laws provide a chance for people who went to prison as children to show they are ready to safely return home. In DC, IRAA has empowered people to give back to their communities as youth mentors and violence interrupters.
Read more in @washingtonpost
Read more in @washingtonpost
In the @washingtonpost.com, CFSY’s Eddie Ellis explains how D.C.’s second-look youth sentencing laws make us all safer. “Many of the beneficiaries of second-chance laws have gone on to help prevent the very crimes that once defined our lives,” writes Eddie.
August 28, 2025 at 8:11 PM
In the @washingtonpost.com, CFSY’s Eddie Ellis explains how D.C.’s second-look youth sentencing laws make us all safer. “Many of the beneficiaries of second-chance laws have gone on to help prevent the very crimes that once defined our lives,” writes Eddie.
Montgomery v. Alabama brought hope to thousands of individuals who were sentenced to life without parole as children. But for many of those still serving JLWOP, "parole eligibility" is little more than an empty promise, reports
@courthousenews.bsky.social
@courthousenews.bsky.social
August 13, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Montgomery v. Alabama brought hope to thousands of individuals who were sentenced to life without parole as children. But for many of those still serving JLWOP, "parole eligibility" is little more than an empty promise, reports
@courthousenews.bsky.social
@courthousenews.bsky.social
While there, they met with community partners and hosted an info session at Moose Lake Correctional Center on the state’s new parole review process — and the doors it’s opening for release and second chances.
August 7, 2025 at 4:06 PM
While there, they met with community partners and hosted an info session at Moose Lake Correctional Center on the state’s new parole review process — and the doors it’s opening for release and second chances.
This weekend, the CFSY’s Executive Director, Xavier McElrath-Bey, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Youth Justice Summit! A special thanks to the honorable judge, Caryln Hicks, from Hinds County, who made this special opportunity possible.
August 5, 2025 at 7:35 PM
This weekend, the CFSY’s Executive Director, Xavier McElrath-Bey, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Youth Justice Summit! A special thanks to the honorable judge, Caryln Hicks, from Hinds County, who made this special opportunity possible.
Today marks ⭐TEN⭐ years since CFSY's Catherine Jones was released from prison! She offers this reflection on her Freedom Anniversary:
August 1, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Today marks ⭐TEN⭐ years since CFSY's Catherine Jones was released from prison! She offers this reflection on her Freedom Anniversary: