Ending Criminalization & Incarceration

The Youth Law Center has been a leader in raising awareness on the causes of, and harm to, youth, particularly youth of color, being funneled into the juvenile justice system. When police enforce rules and manage child behavior in a punitive manner, catastrophic harm results. Channeling vulnerable children into the juvenile justice system disrupts their schooling, impedes healthy development, and heightens the risk of poor long-term education, employment, and health outcomes. YLC works to ensure policy, agency and court practice is based on the developmental needs of adolescents and that use of law enforcement, incarceration and punitive response is avoided whenever possible. 

Youth Law Center has long led efforts to end the incarceration of children, advocating for a fundamental shift toward family and community-based care. We believe that children grow and heal best in safe, supportive environments-not in locked facilities that isolate them from their families, culture, and opportunities for development. Incarceration not only fails to meet the developmental needs of youth, but it also causes lasting harm. It disconnects children from critical relationships, education, and stability-particularly for youth of color who are disproportionately impacted by system involvement.

Through litigation, policy reform, and cross-sector advocacy, YLC is transforming youth justice systems to invest in what works: keeping children at home and in their communities. We support the creation of alternatives to incarceration that prioritize care, relationships, and long-term well-being. Our work is rooted in the understanding that every child deserves the chance to grow up in a family- not behind bars.