National Youth justice Network

We Unite

advocates and organizers at the state and national level to create a transformational shift away from policing and prisons toward a world that prioritizes community-based, trauma-informed and healing-centered responses to youth needs.

Who We Are What We Do Get Involved

Addressing Important Issues

At NYJN, we work across the legal spectrum to safeguard childhood by wrapping our youth in community support rather than responding with police and legal systems.

Front facing photo of a two youth advocates .

NYJN is committed to:

Preventing youth court involvement,
Ensuring no youth are charged in the adult court system, and
Supporting youth in their home communities.

EXPLORE OUR WORK

63 member organizations in 42 states and the District of Columbia pushing to change policies that harm youth.

100 Graduates of our Youth Justice Leadership Institute who are designing better responses to support youth.

Testimonials

"NJJN has given me the opportunity to connect with other young adults across the country and I've learned so much from forums and the network." Alani Rouse, Young Justice Leader

“NJJN's Youth Justice Leadership Institute was a life and career changing experience for me. I applied for a fellowship and gained an extended family.” Jeree Thomas, YJLI ALum

“NJJN provided a mini-grant that was leveraged to establish an Emergency Youth Assistance Fund to provide a more holistic model of client representation by helping to provide for immediate needs of youth.” Jill Ward MCJPAL

A National Presence

The Latest News

Read about youth justice advocacy happening across the country.

Visit Blog

Blog Oct 10, 2024

Youth Justice Narrative Organizing Theory of Change – A Call to Funders

Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) is an annual month-long campaign where advocates come together to organize digital and in-person events and activities to raise awareness and inspire action on behalf of young people impacted by the justice system.

Blog #YJAM 2024: YOUth Are Worth It!

Oct 10, 2024

Blog Meet Our 2024 YJLI Fellows!

"Our first retreat for the 2024 cohort was filled with connection and reflection. The fellows cultivated relationships with each other, shared poetry, explored leadership skills and shared healing practices. This experience sets the tone for a year full of transformative...

Sep 25, 2024

National Youth justice Network – NYJN

(NYJN) builds the movement for anti-racist, healing-centered youth justice.