They deserve better. They deserve us. Be part of the change we need—because their future depends on it.".

If society had given up on me, I wouldn't have had the chance to help create change in my community and across the country. And I'm not alone. So many of us are out here, helping transform our communities every day. That's why we can't afford to abandon our children.

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I stayed rooted in my faith, and I held onto hope. By the time I was released on August 24, 2006, I had changed my life, and I realized something profound: I didn't need a life sentence to change my life. I needed an opportunity, support, and the space to believe in myself.

Despite the system, I found the strength to change my life with the support of my loved ones while I was trapped in the belly of the beast. I was placed in a dehumanizing adult prison environment at 16. I had to grow up fast, adapting to conditions no child should ever face.

"I was arrested when I was 16 years old in 1991 for manslaughter while trying to protect myself and a friend. I take full responsibility for my actions then and now. But back then, many people gave up on me. I was labeled a "throwaway child.".

This weekend marked 19 years since CFSY's Eddie Ellis was released from prison!💛 Reflecting on what this Freedom Anniversary meant to him, Eddie said:

He was joined by Brandon Storm (State Senator, Kentucky), J. Sandy Bartlett, (State Delegate, Maryland), Anne Teigen (@NCSLorg), and Logan Seacrest (@RSI), pictured here.

“Many years ago, I was a youth sentenced to the death penalty. Many years ago, I served 28 years of incarceration. Many years ago, I came home in 2018. That’s what makes me a subject matter expert," explained Donnell.

“What Works to Keep Youth Out of Trouble?” As a panel discussed effective interventions for prevention, safety, and accountability for young people at the #NCSLsummit this year, Donnell Drinks (CFSY) highlighted the many solutions formerly condemned children bring to this issue:

Congratulations to CFSY's Jose Burgos on graduating from @thedreamcorps Justice Cohort! Jose joined other directly impacted leaders to deepen their skills in organizing strategy, legislative advocacy, and building relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders.

RT @thespringpoint: At the inaugural Youth Justice Summit, Hive grantee partner @theCFSY's Xavier McElrath-Bey reflected on his experience….

Despite survivors' calls for rehabilitation, the near non-existent recidivism rate for former life-sentenced children, and individuals' personal growth during incarceration, parole boards continue to deny 'juvenile lifers' in seemingly arbitrary ways.

Montgomery v. Alabama brought hope to thousands of individuals who were sentenced to life without parole as children. But for many of those still serving JLWOP, "parole eligibility" is little more than an empty promise, reports @CourthouseNews.

@NCSLorg Lawmakers nationwide need to hear from the people most impacted by the law. ICAN members help us make this happen at NCSL every year. #ICAN #NoChildBornBad #NCSLSummit.

Both were released in 2024 and quickly became engaged in local advocacy efforts. Last week, they joined CFSY to bring their truths to the National Conference of State Legislatures (@NCSLorg).

They were told as children they'd never walk out of prison gates, and now they are walking through halls of power. Kevin Keo, from Massachusetts, and Mario Monteiro, from Rhode Island, are two of our newest Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network (ICAN) members.

While there, they met with community partners and hosted an info session at Moose Lake Correctional Center on the state’s new parole review process — and the doors it’s opening for release and second chances.

Last week, CFSY’s EJW Legal Fellow Jess Niewohner and Policy Advocate Jose Burgos returned to Minnesota to continue advancing our implementation efforts alongside our partners at Legal Revolution and St. Thomas' Criminal and Juvenile Defense Clinic!

This weekend, CFSY’s Xavier McElrath-Bey, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Youth Justice Summit! A special thanks to the honorable judge, Caryln Hicks, from Hinds County, who made this special opportunity possible.

As I reflect on my 10 years of freedom, my heart is bursting with love and appreciation for each and every person who made the CFSY and ICAN possible. Cheers to 10 more years of freedom fighting! . With Love,.Catherine"