About the Campaign | Debt Free Justice

We are the leading voice in the fight to end this harmful practice.

Although national attention has centered on fees and fines in the adult system, only recently have more jurisdictions begun to challenge the issue as it impacts youth and families.

What We Do

We support advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal level. Debt Free Justice ensures that resources—research, sample litigation, technical assistance, and legal expertise—are readily available to help people pass laws and change policy in their state.

Policy Advocacy

We work with grassroots organizations and other local advocates to change state laws and local policies regarding the imposition of fees and fines in the justice system.

Litigation

We file lawsuits on behalf of youth and their families and support public defenders and other attorneys with the representation of youth by assisting with appellate and amicus briefs.

Research

We provide research on the impact that fees and fines have on youth and their families, fiscal research, and research on the impact of ending fees and fines.

Technical Assistance

We provide technical assistance, including sample legislation, research, and fiscal analyses, to local partners and campaigns.

Convenings and Listening Sessions

We host events and bring communities together to learn more about the harm of fines and fees, hear each other’s experiences, and advocate for change.

Education and Storytelling

We educate the general public about this issue and its impact on communities. We also elevate the stories of impacted individuals.

We’re supporting efforts in every state

Since 2015, we've supported legislative efforts in 35 states and partnered with local organizations on the ground across the entire nation. See what’s going on in your state.

Pick a state to see progress

How we got started

This campaign came together with the shared vision of a world where children and families can flourish free from the burdens of harmful court debt. Across the country, Berkeley Law Policy Advocacy Clinic, National Center for Youth Law, and Juvenile Law Center were doing similar work to abolish fees and fines. Together with local, state, and national partners, we created Debt Free Justice to make a larger, coordinated national impact.