Advocating for a fair and effective juvenile justice system in Massachusetts

Citizens for Juvenile Justice (CfJJ) is the only independent, non-profit, statewide organization working exclusively to improve the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts. We advocate, convene, conduct research, and educate the public on important juvenile justice issues. We believe that both children in the system and public safety are best served by a fair and effective system that recognizes the ways children are different than adults and focuses primarily on their rehabilitation.

New on the Site

Life Without Parole for Juveniles: On February 6, 2008, the New York Times published an editorial condemning the practice of locking up juveniles for life without parole. We have also posted two recent reports on this topic: When I Die, They'll Send Me Home: Youth Sentenced to Life Without Parole in California, the January 2008 Human Rights Watch study referred to in the editorial, and Cruel and Unusual: Sentencing 13- and 14- Year-old Children to Die in Prison, published by the Equal Justice Institute in November 2007.

The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) has published Just for Youth: Advocating for Youth in the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, a comprehensive resource for youth involved with DYS. Designed for parents, legal guardians, and other caregivers of youth in the custody of DYS, or at risk of entering DYS custody, the book may also be useful to the youth themselves. It describes the basic steps that a youth typically follows within the DYS system, with particular attention to his/her rights, and examines two areas closely: mental health/substance abuse services and education.

101 Tremont Street, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02108
Tel: 617-338-1050 Fax: 617-695-0202
cfjj@cfjj.org