We're working to ban life without parole and other extreme sentences for children in the United States.
Joined July 2010
- Tweets 7,293
- Following 1,390
- Followers 6,531
- Likes 2,655
1,731 Photos and videos
Watching the Knicks from a Different Perspective by Angel Alejandro: cfsy.org/watching-the-knicks…
34
Since its founding, CFSY has been shaped by the voices of survivors of youth violence and those who have lost loved ones. Survivors are key members of our community, informing our organizational mission and co-leading many of our advocacy efforts.
1
90
Today, we're proud to share Not a Monolith: Perspectives from Survivors of Youth Violence, created with pro bono support from Baker McKenzie. The report features members of our community whose lives have been profoundly impacted by youth violence.
1
71
The survivors featured in this report, members of the National Family Network and Incarcerated Children's Advocacy Network - show that there is no single survivor experience. We hope you'll read their stories with the respect and care they deserve. insight.bakermckenzie.com/cf…
39
Thank you to everyone who has supported our spring fundraiser! Because of your generosity, we’re 80% of the way to our goal of raising $175,000 by June 30. Now, thanks to two generous donors, every gift—whether $2, $5, $25, or $2,500 —will be DOUBLED!
1
90
This incredible support reflects the power of a community united by a simple belief: no child is born bad. Help us reach the finish line and double your impact today. 💛 fundraise.givesmart.com/form…
73
"I want young people to know..." muses Marvin Wade.
Watch and listen to this powerful piece reflecting on the difference between prison and time.
For the @nytimes: nytimes.com/2026/05/27/opini…
33
At 17, Azeem Majeed was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without parole. He spent 26 years in Virginia prisons. Today, he is a trusted reentry and recovery specialist working in his Virginia community to help others find hope, healing, and transformation.
1
3
108
As a mentor and prolific speaker, including with the Virginia Department of Corrections Speakers Bureau, he shares his story in correctional facilities across the country, offering insights into reentry and recovery and providing hope for what's possible after incarceration.
1
1
75
"My story is no longer centered around incarceration," Azeem says. "It is centered around impact, service, leadership, restoration, and building a legacy that creates hope and opportunity for others."
25
At just 16 years old, Anthony “Pete” Petty was sentenced to 35 years to life. After serving 30 years behind bars, he came home in 2020 thanks to DC’s Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and is now a member of CFSY’s ICAN network.
1
3
166
Pete tells the young people he works with: “I did 30 years, so you don’t have to do 30 years.” He also serves as Co-Executive Director of Neighbors for Justice, advocating for people incarcerated in DC jails and federal prisons.
1
144
Pete also volunteers with DC’s Safe Passage program, helping students safely travel to and from school while teaching healthy conflict resolution skills. His leadership in reentry and violence prevention inspired the documentary “District of Second Chances.”
32
CFSY’s Policy Advocate Jose Burgos was recently reappointed by @GovWhitmer to continue serving on Michigan’s Committee on Juvenile Justice! Reflecting on his first six-year term and the work ahead, Jose shared:
1
4
150
“As someone directly impacted by the juvenile justice system, I know how important it is for us to have a seat at the table where policies and reforms are being shaped. Our lived experiences bring a level of perspective, accountability, and humanity that can’t be taught.
1
1
1
64
I remain committed to advocating for fairness, rehabilitation, and meaningful opportunities for young people throughout Michigan and across this country. I’m beyond grateful for the trust, the opportunity to serve, and everyone who continues to support this work.”
1
1
55
Two luminaries in the restorative justice field lay out a vision of accountability that's active and gives survivors of youth harm more agency.
Listen to the full conversation hosted by @StoneleighFdn here: youtube.com/watch?v=BeWEmrsK…
44
ICYMI: This year, we’ve been reminded how important it is to ensure our victories translate into impact for our community. Last week, our implementation work paid off across the country.
1
53
⚖️We banned life without parole for children in New Mexico. Now, courts are upholding the law’s promise of release.
1
19
If you’d like to further fuel our implementation work and persistent spirit, please consider making a gift to our spring fundraiser: cfsy.org/get-involved/ways-t…
18