Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

Now we’re calling on Delegate Davis, Delegate @DelBartlett32, & Speaker @JPenaMelnyk to pass this simple fix and reaffirm Maryland’s commitment to second chances for children. If you’re a Maryland resident, use this tool to contact officials: representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/15761…

ACTION ALERT: Great news! Maryland SB162 has passed the Senate unanimously, 45-0, and is now headed to the House. We’re so grateful for the leadership of Senator Chris West, Senator @Willcsmithjr, and Delegate @Stinnett_41st.

Available now wherever you get your podcasts: buzzsprout.com/2598463/follow

In episode 4 of Before They Could Dream, CFYS’s Eddie Ellis takes us back to his childhood in D.C., during the height of the “superpredator myth” era. His story reveals the devastating impact of gun violence on communities of color and the isolation of youth placed in solitary.

The world premiere of “I Got My Brother” is at #SXSW tomorrow! This film features Jarrett Harper, a member of CFSY’s Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network (ICAN) who was sentenced to life without parole at 17. The film was generously supported by the Schultz Family Foundation.

URGENT! Are you a Maryland resident? We need your help emailing officials about SB162/HB759! Use this tool to contact officials in less than 30 seconds! representjustice.quorum.us/campaign/15761…

Good news out of Hawai’i! Read more about SB 2325 from former Hawaiʻi State Representative Karen Awana here: civilbeat.org/2026/03/lets-f…

Please listen, share, and subscribe to help us amplify the conversation. “Before They Could Dream” is available now, wherever you get your podcasts: buzzsprout.com/2598463/follow

Episode 3 centers on the story of Catherine Jones and examines the profound impact of childhood abuse in addition to sharing data and insights into the unfair realities that young girls face in America’s criminal justice system.

NOW LIVE: the first three episodes of Before They Could Dream! In Episode 1, we hear from the host, Abd’Allah Lateef, about his childhood in Philadelphia as a shy, athletic boy and the circumstances that led him to being sentenced to life without parole.

Karen Awana's commentary for @CivilBeat illustrates why SB 2325 is vital to ensure the state’s laws embody the principle that children can grow and change. As we urge the Hawai’i Senate to advance SB 2325 next week, read here and share: civilbeat.org/2026/03/lets-f…

Xavier was given a 25 year prison sentence at age 13. Now, he’s leading a national movement as the Executive Director of the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. We believe in the power of second chances because our leaders are living proof of them.

The first 3 episodes drop March 10, with new episodes every Tuesday through April 7. Listen & subscribe: buzzsprout.com/2598463/follow

Hosted by CFSY Deputy Director Abd’Allah Lateef, this 7-episode series shares the stories of six ICAN members who were given extreme sentences as children—exploring their childhoods, the circumstances they faced, and the lasting impact of youth incarceration.

We are so excited to announce the launch of the podcast “Before They Could Dream,” a joint project between the @AspenFCS, the CFSY, and @GreenBuzzAgency! Before They Could Dream exposes a system most Americans rarely see and what happens when the law decides a child’s future.

At 17, they sentenced her to die in prison. After 25 years, she's now: 🏠 Running a transitional home for women 🏛️ Fighting for second chances 📚 Teaching a curriculum to heal post-incarceration trauma We are stronger when we choose redemption over condemnation. Sheena's proof.

Restorative Justice Circles work to address harms, needs, and obligations to heal and put things right as much as possible when conflict occurs. CFSY’s Jody Kent Lavy and Eddie Ellis joined a circle keeper training to learn more about how the process can serve our community.

We are proud to stand alongside them as they fight for a system that prioritizes healing, accountability, and safety. #SurvivorsSpeak2026

CFSY’s Catherine Jones & Ghani Songster joined @cssjustice in Montgomery for Survivors Speak Alabama. On the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, survivors urged lawmakers to expand victim compensation & open the state’s first trauma recovery center.