Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

We're working to ban life without parole and other extreme sentences for children in the United States.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

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.”

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

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.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

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.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

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.”

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

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:

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

“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.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

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: https://t.co/CmjsXYVOqD

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

If you’d like to further fuel our implementation work and persistent spirit, please consider making a gift to our spring fundraiser: https://t.co/BGs14jpmmi

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

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.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

⚖️We banned life without parole for children in New Mexico. Now, courts are upholding the law’s promise of release.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

CFSY’s Legal & Policy team traveled to New Orleans for the @APAIparole 2026 Training Conference, where we connected with parole board members from across the country about parole review practices that recognize the unique needs and challenges of justice-involved children.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

Thank you to our Maryland partners, especially members of our National Family Network & Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network, along with Senator Chris West, Delegate @Stinnett_41st, the Maryland General Assembly, and Governor Wes Moore.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

Last week, the CFSY celebrated @GovWesMoore signing Maryland SB162, which expands review eligibility for children serving lengthy sentences in Maryland.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

SB162 affirms that review provisions in Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act apply to children sentenced after Oct 1, 2021, ensuring that all people sent to prison in Maryland for offenses committed when they were under 18 receive the opportunity for sentencing review.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

We need your support more than ever. Between now and June 30th, we will be working to raise $175,000 to grow our work. Your gift will help us continue dismantling what harms us while building pathways rooted in healing, care, and community. https://t.co/JK5Bh6elas

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

Together, we have transformed how this country's criminal legal system treats children, helped reunite families, changed the narrative around children who cause harm, and built a directly impacted-led movement.

[Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth @theCFSY]

Reverend Dr. Chris Kimmenez has "seen the system from multiple sides." He's participating in the Survivor’s Justice Initiative (SJI) to elevate transformative, restorative, and healing justice processes in response to serious youth harm.

Learn more: https://t.co/dQlDVwGIXN