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.
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
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.
My life was over before it truly even began, and I wrestled with pain, regret, anger, and the refusal to believe that this was the end of my story.” Despite the harshness and finality of his sentence, Angel held onto hope, often the only thing he had.
September 4, 2025 at 5:52 PM
My life was over before it truly even began, and I wrestled with pain, regret, anger, and the refusal to believe that this was the end of my story.” Despite the harshness and finality of his sentence, Angel held onto hope, often the only thing he had.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
As I reflect on my 10 years of freedom, my heart is bursting with love and appreciation for each and every person who made the CFSY and ICAN possible. Cheers to 10 more years of freedom fighting!
With Love,
Catherine"
With Love,
Catherine"
August 1, 2025 at 5:16 PM
As I reflect on my 10 years of freedom, my heart is bursting with love and appreciation for each and every person who made the CFSY and ICAN possible. Cheers to 10 more years of freedom fighting!
With Love,
Catherine"
With Love,
Catherine"
ICAN has given me a place to belong, to be seen and appreciated. I was no longer defined by my mistakes. Now, I co-lead the very community that helped me transform my life into one of purpose, passion and an unwavering belief that we are more than the sum of our worst mistakes.
August 1, 2025 at 5:16 PM
ICAN has given me a place to belong, to be seen and appreciated. I was no longer defined by my mistakes. Now, I co-lead the very community that helped me transform my life into one of purpose, passion and an unwavering belief that we are more than the sum of our worst mistakes.
Yet, once I was free, I discovered I had developed a fear of the dark. That was the first of many ways that freedom didn’t exactly meet my fantasy. I quickly realized that while I was physically free, I was still imprisoned by the labels society placed upon me. I was a “felon.”
August 1, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Yet, once I was free, I discovered I had developed a fear of the dark. That was the first of many ways that freedom didn’t exactly meet my fantasy. I quickly realized that while I was physically free, I was still imprisoned by the labels society placed upon me. I was a “felon.”
"I remember lying on my prison bed at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling and thinking, “I can’t wait to be in complete darkness.” After almost 17 years under constant fluorescent lights, I longed for the opportunity to see darkness beyond the closing of my eyelids.
August 1, 2025 at 5:16 PM
"I remember lying on my prison bed at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling and thinking, “I can’t wait to be in complete darkness.” After almost 17 years under constant fluorescent lights, I longed for the opportunity to see darkness beyond the closing of my eyelids.
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:
Last week, CFSY’s Eddie Ellis gave a guest lecture to the Advanced Law and Justice Reform Program. During the class, Eddie spoke about the CFSY’s impact, how ICAN and NFN members are leading the movement, and the importance of alternative responses to youth violence.
July 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Last week, CFSY’s Eddie Ellis gave a guest lecture to the Advanced Law and Justice Reform Program. During the class, Eddie spoke about the CFSY’s impact, how ICAN and NFN members are leading the movement, and the importance of alternative responses to youth violence.
The CFSY is excited to announce the launch of our Community Care website! We know that for our directly impacted community, advocacy isn't just purpose-driven—it's personal. But fighting for our collective humanity, dignity, and freedom can take a heavy toll.
July 24, 2025 at 4:20 PM
The CFSY is excited to announce the launch of our Community Care website! We know that for our directly impacted community, advocacy isn't just purpose-driven—it's personal. But fighting for our collective humanity, dignity, and freedom can take a heavy toll.
CFSY’s Executive Director, Xavier McElrath-Bey, will be the keynote speaker at the Hind County Children’s Coalition Youth Justice Summit! If you’re in the Jackson, Mississippi area, join us for a powerful day of advocacy, panels, and workshops by registering here: docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLS....
July 16, 2025 at 5:09 PM
CFSY’s Executive Director, Xavier McElrath-Bey, will be the keynote speaker at the Hind County Children’s Coalition Youth Justice Summit! If you’re in the Jackson, Mississippi area, join us for a powerful day of advocacy, panels, and workshops by registering here: docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLS....