We’re not waiting for a seat at the table, we’re building our own.
Nothing about us without us: The CTJA Story
The Connecticut Justice Alliance (CTJA) was founded in 2001 as the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance (learn about the name change here).
Its mission was, and remains, to end the criminalization of youth in Connecticut. CTJA disrupts and dismantles the pathways that funnel children and youth into the legal system.
In 2017, CTJA’s model shifted with the founding of the Justice Advisors (JAs), a group of young leaders who have been impacted by the legal system and now contribute their voices and experiences to discussions around youth justice policy and practice.
Our purpose has continued evolving to become even more inclusive of those most impacted by the legal system. We’re closing the distance between kids who have been harmed by the system and those responsible for shaping it.
Today, young people drive the mission.
Justice Advisors are part of our core team. As a youth-centered organization, we’re advancing youth justice reform through youth leadership development, political & legal education, advocacy, and community organizing. We speak directly to and with the wide spectrum of people impacted by the legal system, including those currently and formerly incarcerated, families, police, corrections officials, and school administrators.
Our track record is strong.
Connecticut has made real progress in reducing youth confinement over CTJA’s nearly 30-year history, but there’s still work to do.
Won passage of bipartisan law limiting use of handcuffs & restraints on kids 14 & under
Spearheaded legislation requiring directly impacted youth & adults be voting members on CT’s Juvenile Justice Policy Oversight Committee
Won legislation raising minimum age of arrest in CT from 7 to 10
Developed a plan with state agencies to move kids under 18 out of adult prisons & into more appropriate settings
Launched #InvestInMeCT campaign, exploring youth involvement in the legal system & delivering recommendations
Led the effort to close the Connecticut Juvenile Training School — a turning point in the movement to end youth incarceration
Began facilitating Vision Sessions with young men at Manson Youth Institution — JA’s played a key role
Introduced the Justice Advisors (JA) program
CTJA Team
CTJA is a youth-adult alliance. Our intergenerational team works together to bring young people into the conversation about youth justice.
Christina Quaranta
Jordyn Wilson
Kelton Gilbert
Jordy Ojedis
Simar Kaur Soni
Varsha Jorawar
Layan Jahaf
Justice Advisors: Alumni
Founding Members: Eric Crespo, Aquil Crooks, Shamare Holmes, Shaneese Pettway, Iliana Pujols, Yancy Singleton
Members: Quinton Ballew, Percy Berry, Tenille Bonilla, Raybon Carwin, Simone Davis, Kymberly Escarsaga, Stephen Gary, Quanesha Gibbs, Romelo Goss, Sage Grady, Davon Hargrove, Vincent Hatten, Ronnie Henderson, Shannone Hawkins, Al’Urdun Islam I Theodore Jordan, Tiana Krause, Brittany LaMarr, Kye Pettway, Marco Pujols, Gemini Rorie, Alona Scott, Fernecia Smith, Jermaine Smith, Michael Smith, Destiny Vasquez, Tatiyana Whitley, Jordyn Wilson, Tyrese Edwards, Justin Guthrie
Partners
Plug In
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on youth justice in CT.
Support our Mission
Tell CT: No New Youth Prisons!
Connecticut is currently planning to build a new locked youth facility in response to prolonged stays in detention, as well as 2018 legislation. That approach moves the state backward.
