National Juvenile Justice Network Seeks Youth Stories

Do you have a brief, compelling story about youth in the justice system you've worked with? The National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN) needs your help. 
 
Interestingly, your story doesn't have to be a positive one, though NJJN wants those, too. it's looking for stories for its new website that either "exemplify the problems with the current system, or are shining examples of how reforms can lead to wonderfully positive change in the lives of youth." (The stories should be about youth you've worked with, or whom your organization or juvenile justice coalition has served.)
 
Why would you want to do this? 

1. It's a chance for you to share these stories with a wider audience and increase NJJN's impact.
2. If you like, NJJN will include a weblink to your organization when it posts your story online. 
3. It's good practice. You're already compiling youth stories for your own work with policy makers and other audiences ... right?

Here's how you can help:

• Please send a brief paragraph or two describing a youth's encounter with the justice system and any positive or negative outcomes.
• These stories will not identify specific youth, although they may be paired with photos of models or more generic photos. NJJN can link to your organization if you like -- or not, if that might threaten the youth's confidentiality.
• NJJN would really like stories that relate in some way to:
  
  • confidentiality;
  • deinstitutionalization;
  • the school-to-prison pipeline;
  • disproportionate minority contact (DMC); or
  • "adultification" - charging youth as adults.
• Let NJJN worry about polished writing; just send what you've got, and its staff will run a final draft by you for approval.
• Please email your stories to Annie Balck.

 
Photo: depinniped.