Letter from a Formerly Incarcerated Youth by J. D. ![]() How much more trauma must our youth go through? Being confined in a prison is the worst possible punishment. I had to endure 24 long, stressful months inside one of the worst youth prisons in Virginia. I’m just like so many people who are waiting for the day when youth prisons nationwide are replaced by productive community treatment centers. That’s why I’m asking you to support Families and Allies of Virginia’s Youth (FAVY). FAVY needs these funds so we can keep speaking up on behalf of youth in the justice system and their families. Thanks to the support of people like you, FAVY has had great success in advocating for youth justice in Virginia. This year, we successfully fought against bills to increase the number of youth tried as adults and to put youth on sex offender registries. We also won changes to the visitation policy, which now allows youth to receive visits from positive supporters who aren’t immediate family. Right now, FAVY is the only group that raises the voices of families, youth and community members to speak out on behalf of youth in trouble with the law. In order for FAVY to continue its success, we need you to join us with a generous contribution today. The youth of Virginia are counting on each and every one of us to do our part in order to make life better as a whole for communities everywhere. Thank you in advance for your support of FAVY
and the youth of Virginia!
Historic Report Available Now Families Propose Solutions to the Crisis in Juvenile Justice "Families Unlocking Futures: Solutions to the Crisis in Juvenile Justice" is based on more than 1,000 surveys and 24 focus groups with families of youth who have been in the justice system — including dozens of Virginia families. The report shows the many ways juvenile justice systems have failed youth, families and communities. It also proposes solutions for transforming youth justice to help our youth succeed and keep our communities safe. Among the findings:
The full report and a shorter executive summary are available online from the Justice for Families web site. Please read and share this information widely. Let's get more families and community members involved in the movement to transform youth justice! As Grace Bauer, Justice for Families co-director, said during the report release event on Capitol Hill, "Families are best source of quality control for the juvenile justice system that we have." Looking for older items from our home page? Check our Archive page. | Upcoming Event The annual evening meeting of the Virginia Board of Juvenile Justice is Wednesday, April 10 at 7 pm at the Cedar Lodge Training Center, Maple Room 1701 Old Bon Air Road The Board holds this evening meeting to make it more possible for families and other concerned community members to attend. Donate NOW!
Your donation helps fight for laws that will help youth in trouble have a better future. Use the mail-in form or our online donation page. Volunteer! Join our Volunteer Team! We will meet monthly by phone or in person. Fill out the Volunteer Survey to join. Contact Us If you have questions or comments, please contact us! |



