Who We Are

We’re not waiting for a seat at the table, we’re building our own.

Nothing about us without us: The CTJA Story

History of CTJA

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.

CTJA Today

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, youth 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.