Fair sentencing for youth means recognizing that young people are different from adults and our courts and laws should treat them that way. Justice for youth means accountability with the chance to turn around.

Murder Victim Family Members Speak in Support of SB 9

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What a Second Chance Looks Like: Youth Sentenced to Life with Parole

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Faith Leaders Speak Out

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Sara’s Story

Sara was sentenced to life in prison without parole at 16. In 2010 she became the only CA youth to have her sentenced reduced to 25 to life. Watch this six minute video to hear her story.

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News & Updates

L.A. Sheriff Baca & S.F. District Attorney Gascón Support SB 260

There is increasing law enforcement support for reform of sentencing laws for youth. The Sheriff of Los Angeles, the most populous county in the state, and the District Attorney and former Chief of the San Francisco Police Department both submitted letters in support More »
ACT NOW! Write your Senator

If you believe youth deserve a second chance, now is the time to write to your representatives. Get your friends and family to act, too! There are easy-to-use sample letters here.
Family & Friends of Youth Sentenced to Extreme Prison Sentences

CARES is Californians Advocating for Reform of Extreme Prison Sentences for Youth. It’s a support and action group. Want to be a part of making a difference for youth? Go to www.caresforyouth.org and learn what you can do.
SB 260 stalled in Appropriations. But that’s not the end of the story.

On April 22, the Senate Appropriations committee put “on suspense” SB 260, requiring that amendments be made to reduce the costs of the bill or the bill will die. We are working closely with the author, Senator Hancock, More »
SB 260 Passes 4 to 2 in CA Senate Public Safety Committee!!

Over 50 groups and nearly 1,000 individuals wrote letters in support of SB 260, helping it to clear its first hurdle and pass on a vote of 4 to 2 in the Senate Public Safety Committee. Now the bill More »
ACT NOW: SEND A LETTER TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AND SUPPORT SB 260

We can only change how young people are treated if people step forward to help change California’s laws. Click on “TAKE ACTION” and send a letter.

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Human Rights Watch Report on California

When I Die, They'll Send Me Home: Youth Sentenced to Life without Parole in California (PDF) finds that in many cases where juveniles were prosecuted with an adult, the youth received heavier sentences than their adult codefendants.