YSRP

YSRP mourns the passing of Robert Schwartz, founding advisory board member of YSRP & @JuvLaw1975 co-founder. Bob was a tireless advocate for youth justice, whose vision & mentorship helped shape our work. Bob, may we carry your light & lessons into a better future for youth.

This is a symptom of a much larger issue: when racist systems do not see the inherent worth and humanity of especially Black and Brown children, it’s no wonder they continually fail to show them compassion, care, and ultimately protection. inquirer.com/crime/juvenile…

In 2015, YSRP launched the Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) @pennlaw. This pro bono initiative pairs law and social work students from @PennSP2 to support young people in Philly's adult criminal legal system. Since then, 200+ students have volunteered, aiding 150+ young people.

Join us for an exclusive screening of the original documentary series JUSTICE, USA, followed by a panel discussion on #restorativejustice. Featuring @SheilaCalloway @clayinhand @G42Marshall @SongsterKempis eventbrite.com/e/restorative-…

We are thrilled to announce that YSRP Reentry Coordinator Don "Ike" Jones has been awarded the Rising Leader of the Year Award! The Office of Reentry Partnerships celebrates individuals yearly for their outstanding efforts in exemplifying leadership in this community.

Double congrats to YSRP Staff Attorney John Lopez for being awarded Supervisor of the Year for the second year in a row!

Congratulations to the Youth Advocacy Project students for the multiple awards they received from the University of Pennsylvania (@pennlaw)

@StoneleighFdn Fellow and YSRP Co-Founder Lauren Fine has a new report on Participatory Action Research with young adults with lived experience in Philadelphia’s youth justice system. The report examines the components of successful community-based alternatives to incarceration.

Hats off to our Director of Advocacy, Emily Robb, for her recently published article in the Legal Intelligencer on the devastating impact that felony murder charges have on young people in Pennsylvania.

Spread the word! YSRP is looking for a Director of Operations and Finance to support our mission to end the practice of charging young people as if they were adults. Please visit our website to learn more about this exciting opportunity: ysrp.org/staff/current-…

"Removing children during their high school years from families and communities, placing young people where they do not have access to adequate education, and expecting young people to return to our communities and thrive is insanity," says Van Heydoorn.

Premiering on WHYY TV-12 on March 13, 2024 (tonight!), at 7:30 pm, this six-part series delves into the challenges formerly incarcerated people face when they come home. Several Philadelphia organizations and advocates, including YSRP, are featured! pbs.org/video/testimon…

The YSRP Intergenerational Healing Circle (IGHC) was a special guest at the @WellsFargoCtr this past Thursday. They were joined by 76er alumnus Jumaine Jones, who shared his story and hung out with Robert Covington after the game! Thank you, @sixers, for an amazing night!

Thank you, @bvh14, for leading with empathy, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to youth justice.

We are grateful for state legislators like Dan Miller who are willing to stand up for #youthjustice.

Children should not be held in adult prisons. No matter the color they paint the walls, young people will know they are being placed at an adult prison facility. We need a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes safety and community resources. At best, this is a band-aid.

YSRP staff attended the Juvenile Justice Reform event in Harrisburg to discuss #HB1381, game-changing legislation that would end the practice of “direct file” or charging children as if they were adults. Thank you @RepDanMiller, for hosting the event and for sponsoring HB 1381!

YSRP was privileged to speak at the Crime Coverage Summit hosted by the @NatPress. ED Bianca van Heydoorn urged journalists to consider the lasting consequences of their media coverage and present a fuller picture of young people. 📷Chorus Photography nationalpress.org/topic/juvenile…

This past Thursday, YSRP held our 8th annual celebration of the landmark Montgomery decision. Once told they would die in prison, these former Juvenile Lifers have come home and are thriving. Thank you, @thespringpoint, for the beautiful space for our community.

Spread the word! We're seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative individual who cares deeply about racial justice. If you know someone who fits the bill, please share this opportunity with them. #develFinance" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ysrp.org/staff/current-…