About Us
Who We Are
Justice For Families (J4F) is national network of family leaders, impacted by the justice system, working to end mass criminalization, particularly of youth and in communities of color.
We are the only national juvenile justice reform organization that is founded and run by families who have been directly impacted by the juvenile justice system. We are working to advance systemic policy and practice change while also building a base of those directly impacted, so they can individually help other families, and collectively sustain the reforms needed at the national and local levels. J4F raises the visibility of meaningful family engagement, and demonstrates the success and importance of constituent-led organizing strategies.
Our primary goals are to transform justice systems so that they are driven by the interests of youth and families, and to move resources away from incarceration based on failed “tough on crime” policies and towards direct investments in young people, their families and the communities.
The organization has relied on three inter-related core strategies to achieve our goals:
Leadership Development & Technical Assistance
Through relationships, support, intensive trainings and a shared learning environment, J4F is developing a national cadre of families to staff and develop family-led organizations or create family-led components to existing organizations that work externally to reduce youth incarceration. Using similar methodology, we also create leaders that work internally within the juvenile justice system framework to change culture and share the family voice and perspective.
Strategic Partnerships
We are founded upon a spirit of collaboration and we strongly believe our work, with a broad array of diverse groups, has made it possible to reach many of our initial organizational goals.
We began our first project, the “Families Unlocking Futures” report, by partnering with 13 national organizations. J4F have continued to utilize and build those networks to serve as local hubs where our members coalesce around issues such as: the over-criminalization of our communities, racial and ethnic disparities, and push and hold accountable local officials for the reinvestment of currently wasted dollars spent on incarceration.
Policy & Advocacy
J4F recognizes the need to hold elected and appointed officials accountable for policies and practices that result in the exclusion of families and the lock- up of far too many youth. Throughout our history, the staff and members of J4F have supported numerous local, state and national campaigns by sharing their experiences with the public and policy makers.
Through family focused reforms and justice reinvestment campaigns, families educate their representatives and partner with allies invested in securing local economies and national priorities that ensure fairness and opportunity for all youth. Families will continue to build alliances and engage elected officials to ensure that policy changes last beyond election cycles.
To be successful at challenging the deep systemic problems in the youth and adult justice systems, there must be a core constituency rooted in impacted communities that will advance reforms over the long haul. The amplification of our message and amount of success thus far belies the fact that J4F is a small, but growing, national non-profit with a few staff. It is a testament to the legions of support behind our cause and the determination and heart of our families.
How We Help
J4F organizes families to build the alliances necessary to win justice reinvestment campaigns. We hosts action camps and organizational exchanges for families seeking to hone their skills as organizers and advocates. Also, we partner with and provide consultancy to local and state governments seeking to improve outcomes for youth through partnership with families. Together, we can move the vast sums currently spent on youth incarceration toward ensuring a healthy start and equal opportunity for every child.
To find out more about our work, download the report which details why this work is necessary and the various solutions we promote and implement:
Creating Real Change
Since 2012, 300 impacted individuals have attended the Institute. Over 90% of participants have returned to their communities to challenge oppressive systems and change policy, practice and the entrenched culture that underpins the current power structure through local grassroots organizations or as individual activists in places where there is no organizational support.
Our Staff
Jeannette Bocanegra-Simon
Executive Director
Board Members
Lynn Ausley
Pierce County Family Advisory Council
Evelyn Clark
Change Specialist/Equity Consultant
Jeannette Bocanegra-Simon
Justice for Families, Executive Director
Gladys Carion
Former NYS & NYC Commissioner for Child Welfare
Ernest Johnson
Director, Ubuntu Village NOLA
Natalie Williams
American Public Human Services Association
Founding Members
Zach Norris
Founding Co-Director
Grace Bauer Lubow
Founding Co-Director
Help Us Continue Our Mission
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