Who We Are

It takes a village. So we built one that’s nationwide.

The fight to end youth incarceration is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds, working across the country to dismantle the youth prison model—together.

Our mission begins with our principles. It ends when all youth are free.

We believe locking kids up is wrong, period. Not because young people don’t mess up, but because when they do, they deserve the opportunity to heal, find their place in community and be held accountable to those they’ve caused harm. That’s why our first principle is ‘Abolition for all.’

From there, we’re committed to prioritizing decarceration, ending oppressive systems to invest in communities and building transformative alternatives to prison. These principles guide our work and our demands.

Our principles & demands

State campaigns, led by youth voices, have redirected $8M where it’s most needed.

By connecting state and local campaigns, Youth First cultivates a unified movement, which is vital for reaching a nationwide tipping point. So far, our partners have closed nine youth facilities, with plans to shutter seven more.

Meet our state partners

The #NoKidsInPrison Manifesto

Our team, partners and supporters share the conviction that every kid is capable of change, regardless of their mistakes. We want to see resources reallocated to the places where young people live. To understand more about what unites us, start with our manifesto.

The #NoKidsInPrison Manifesto

Key achievements

2017

Connecticut closed its last state youth prison.

2018

Virginia closed Beaumont Juvenile Correction Center, leaving only one state youth prison.

2019

Final youth prison closed in Hennepin County, Minnesota. End Youth Prisons MN continues advocacy in the state.

2020

Due to high costs and a low incarcerated youth population, the Santa Fe County Juvenile Detention Facility closes.

2023

Franklin County Kansas juvenile detention facility closed.

2024

New Jersey committed to a timeline for the closure of two youth prisons & NJISJ secures seat on official state work group that will offer recommendations for repurposing those facilities.

“We all want to be liberated, together.”

Dozens of young people gathered in Philadelphia for the 2024 Grassroots Assembly. Watch this short recap of the event to see our movement in action.

Youth First Justice Collaborative’s 2024 Grassroots Assembly

Our Team

Youth First Justice Collaborative is led by a team deeply committed to ending youth incarceration.

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board is made up of experienced organizers, founders and abolitionists who pass on their knowledge to the next generation.

National partners strengthen our movement.

By drawing on the expertise of those working in the intersecting fields of abolition, community power building, arts and culture, civic policy and more, we offer state partners an array of services to strengthen their organizing efforts.

Learn more about how we work