News
We Stood Up For Youth and Families!
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and about three dozen family members, concerned community members, and other advocates attended an evening public hearing held by the Virginia Board of Juvenile Justice. Eleven people took the opportunity to speak to the Board members and DJJ staff who were present.
We asked the Board to adopt regulations that will help families support their children so that they have a fair chance to grow into responsible adults. Here's a one-page summary of what we asked for. Or read the 5-page full version of our request.
A lot of people don't believe families or communities care when our children are locked up. We showed that we do care! Thanks to everyone who attended, and especially to those who spoke out.
Families & Allies Executive Director Awarded Soros Justice Fellowship
The Open Society Institute awarded a Soros Justice Fellowship to Liane Rozzell, Executive Director of Families & Allies of Virginia's Youth. She is one of 17 fellows who received the awards. The 18-month fellowship will enable her to focus on building Families & Allies into a sustainable and effective force for reforming Virginia's juvenile justice system. Read the full news release for more about the fellowships, or go here to read about Liane and her Soros Justice Fellowship project. [Photo © Open Society Institute.]
Families & Allies 2009 Membership Drive
We invite you to join us in our work! Please read our 2008 appeal letter and our Statement of Principles. Then fill out the form at the bottom of the Statement of Principles and send it in with your membership contribution. Be sure to let us know how you want to get involved!
Families & Allies Founder on the Radio
Liane Rozzell, Executive Director of Families & Allies of Virginia's Youth, was a guest on "Charlottesville—Right Now! with Coy Barefoot." Listen to the podcast here.
Norfolk Families & Allies Meeting Planned
Why are so many children in Norfolk's adult jail? Are the juvenile and criminal justice systems failing our youth? What can we do to change Norfolk's justice system?
Are you concerned about these issues? We are organizing families, community members and youth in Norfolk. We’ll share information about how youth are treated in the juvenile and adult justice systems. Together, we’ll push for changes that will give young people in Norfolk a better chance when they’re in trouble.
We need you! If you want to join us, please fill out the online survey. And please download the flyer to help spread the word! The survey is on the flyer, too.