NCSL’s first Youth Justice Fellows Program is a yearlong, peer-learning opportunity designed to support legislators who are experienced or emerging leaders on youth justice issues. It is ideal for those who want to expand their knowledge and learn from other legislators and leading experts from across the country.
The program is focused on a variety of the most pressing youth justice policy issues, tailored to the interests and needs of the cohort. Potential youth justice policies explored include: age of juvenile court jurisdiction, adolescent brain development, alternatives to detention and incarceration, racial and ethnic disparities, youth defense and other due process protections, diversion and reducing system involvement, funding and justice reinvestment, mental health, reentry, conditions of confinement, sentencing, and juvenile life without parole. Legislative trends, action, research and evidence will also be incorporated into programming.
Fellows will be part of a peer-learning community with other legislators and directly engage with leading research in the field. The program includes two face-to-face meetings with experts and other legislators, one virtual seminar and in-person technical assistance. The program is ideal for legislators who want to expand their knowledge on youth justice and work on this issue in their own states.
NCSL’s Youth Justice Fellows will:
- Increase knowledge of evidence-based strategies to improve youth justice.
- Build connections with legislative peers and learn from experts.
- Develop individual action plans related to youth and young adult policy issues.
- Receive NCSL staff support and technical assistance.
The program is made possible through a partnership with The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Meet the Experts
- Brian Lovins, president, Justice System Partners
- Xavier McElrath-Bey, executive director, Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY)
Meet the Fellows
- Rep. Paul Childress (R-Ark.)
- Rep. Stephanie Dietz (R-Ky.)
- Senator Brandon Storm, (R-Ky.)
- Del. J. Sandy Barlett (D-Md.)
- Sen. James Eldridge (D-Mass.)
- Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Mich.)
- Rep. Steve Kelly (R-Mont.)
- Sen. Laura Smith (D-Mont.)
- Sen. Diane Larson (R-N.D.)
- Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D-Ore.)
- Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-R.I.)
- Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Wash.)
- Rep. Sheila Stubbs (D-Wis.)
- Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Tenn.)
- Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Penn.)
- Rep. Liz Hanbidge (D-Penn.)
- Rep. Amber Hulse (R-S.D.)