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Youth fines and fees are harmful, unjust, and have lifelong consequences.
At every point in the juvenile justice system, a young person can be charged fees for an electronic ankle monitor, detention, probation supervision, and even a public defender. These fees and fines disproportionately impact Black, Brown, and Indigenous people who are over represented and over-punished in the justice system. There are other ways to fund the juvenile justice system that are not harmful, and need to be implemented nationwide.
The Broken System of Juvenile Fines and Fees
Impacted individuals, their loved ones and, advocates speak about the debilitating effects of juvenile fees and fines, and what our campaign is doing to address this problem.
Stories Can Change a System
Abandoned, abused, and incarcerated; Aiden is an 18-year-old survivor preparing to build a family, rebuild his life. The only thing holding him back is the juvenile justice system, which has laden him with thousands of dollars of debt.
Marcía Hopkins
Jessica Feierman
Katlyn Christiansen
Deshawn Leeth
Rachel Wallace
Chandra Grayson
End This Practice, Join Our Campaign
Debt Free Justice supports and coordinates efforts that lead to policy change. We provide resources to support advocates in their work to abolish youth fees and fines. Join our campaign by taking any of the following actions.
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Advocate In Your State
We work at the local, state, and federal levels to abolish juvenile fees and fines through policy advocacy, litigation, and research, and by connecting a community of like-minded advocates. Explore what action is being taken state-by-state.
Advocacy Resources
Explore our collection of resources to support you and your organization’s efforts. Make an account to gain access to content shared by Debt Free Justice partners.
How to Pass a Bill
Juvenile Fee Abolition in California: Lessons and Challenges for the Debt-Free Justice Movement
How Carceral Debt Affects the Black Community
Listening Sessions and Beyond: A Guide for Advocates and Interviewers
Dreams Deferred: The Impact of Juvenile Fees on Florida's Children, Families, and Future
DFJ Campaign Messaging Toolkit
Get Advocacy Support, Make an Account
When you make an account, you can curate a selection of resources and information based on your location and topics related to the juvenile justice system most important to you. You can also add your organization to our directory to join our network of advocates.
The Latest Campaign News
Justice Department Publishes Report on Policies that Reduce Fines and Fees
Community Art Project Aims to Reform Juvenile Justice System in Arkansas
Event: Ethical Reporting on the Experiences of Youth in the Legal System
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