Platform for Youth Justice

Calling on New Orleans' DA & judicial candidates to commit to treat kids like kids, end the criminalization of Black youth, and pursue healing, not punishment

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

We can start investing in the things children and families need to thrive instead of in more policing and prisons. But we need the District Attorney – and all of our elected officials – to keep their commitments to this shared vision.

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

Our hearts are heavy for the family of Anita LaViege. They should never have lost their loved one this way and we offer our deepest condolences.

https://t.co/mcn4TZIoJq

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

This is the cycle of tragedy that we are stuck in. It doesn’t have to be this way.

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

Check out this video from @theCFSY on how the ‘superpredator’ myth was used to criminalize Black children in the 1990s.

To stop this legacy, we must recognize that #NoChildIsBornBad. Share this video and join us in our fight to end extreme sentences for youth.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

We are thrilled to announce the launch of #NoChildIsBornBad, a truth-telling campaign reckoning with the racist myth known as the “superpredator theory.”

Today, we're kicking off with a video that examines the myth and its roots in American history:

https://t.co/ZYgSUOY83P

[Louisiana Center for Children's Rights @LAKidsRights]

Children are incredibly capable of change as they age; however, juvenile lifers remain behind bars, & Louisiana continues to sentence more kids to die in prison per capita than any other state.

Join us on zoom Wednesday to discuss why the time for abolition is now.

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

When we invest in our communities, we invest in youth. We ask our city council to treat kids like kids and do the same (especially during budget season).

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

It’s deeply disappointing that the council members disregarded all of the concerns presented to them Thursday regarding the curfew. Dozens of people commented that the curfew policy is ineffective, discriminatory, and dangerous for Black Youth.

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

We expect that if the Council won’t stop harmful policies like the curfew, they will come to the table with policies that help children.

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

That's it. Despite the opposition, @NOLACityCouncil unanimously passes the curfew expansion as part of the consent agenda, which is supposed to be for "routine or non-controversial" items. We guess criminalizing children of color is routine for New Orleans politicians after all.

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

Dozens of public comments so far opposing the curfew expansion and none in support! Well done, everyone! Now let's see if @NOLACityCouncil listens to the will of the people! #BlackKidsMatter #InvestInKids #PeoplePower

Watch here: https://t.co/J3p04urXxX

[Platform for Youth Justice @Platform4Youth]

Instead of more policing, commenters call for investing in things kids and families need to survive, let alone thrive, like:

Education
A living wage
Affordable housing
Nutrition
Afterschool programs
Healthcare