Citizens for Juvenile Justice

CONTACT:

101 Tremont Street, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02108
617-338-1050
www.cfjj.org

Lael E.H. Chester, Esq., Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

CfJJ is the voice for juvenile justice reform in Massachusetts—the only independent statewide organization in this field. It was founded in 1994 by professionals—defense attorneys, prosecutors, service providers, clinicians and academics—to oppose a radical proposal to replace the traditional strategy of rehabilitation with its opposite—punishment—as in the adult criminal system. CfJJ brought expertise, and a voice for a fair and effective system, to what was mostly a political debate. Since then, they have evolved from reactivity to pro-activity, raising issues such as: equal treatment for all youth of all races; giving judges discretion to expunge delinquency records when appropriate; assessing and treating mental health needs of juveniles in the system—e.g, to reduce suicide rates; creating alternatives to detention for youths awaiting trial—because detention is costly and harmful for youths and their families, appropriate only in cases involving risk of flight or threat to public safety. Beyond advocacy, CfJJ also reports to the field current research that it feels should be influential. In 2004 Executive Director Lael Chester received a prestigious award for excellence in this field. With a staff of only three (two Harvard-trained attorneys and an administrator), in shared office space, and an active and distinguished Board, this small organization is leading this field, for our common weal. You can help.

(2008: HUMAN SERVICES: Children & Youth: Legal)