knocking down walls
Fitrah has built an effective model to empower youth. Our program is like a trampoline, propelling young people over the walls that stand in their way. We are committed to being part of the fight to take down these walls, and to do it with the leadership of our young people.
the walls are deliberate and high
70%
70% of young adults in CA state prisons are people of color compared to being only 25% of the overall population​
70%
70% of young adults in MA state prisons are people of color compared to being only 25% of the overall population​
70%
70% of young adults in MA state prisons are people of color compared to being only 25% of the overall population​
70%
70% of young adults in MA state prisons are people of color compared to being only 25% of the overall population​
70%
70% of young adults in MA state prisons are people of color compared to being only 25% of the overall population​
70%
70% of young adults in MA state prisons are people of color compared to being only 25% of the overall population​
the walls are the problem, not our youth
We stand with our youth as they shine a light on the racist policies and dysfunctional systems that harm them, and we committ significant time and resources to advocacy on youth identified priorities in criminal justice and transitions out of state care.
the issue:
emerging adult justice
the compounding problem:
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The cases of youth 18+ are adjudicated in adult court, even though we know the brain doesn’t fully develop until age 25. ​​
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This disproportionally impacts youth of color and youth without family support, like those who are homeless or in foster care.​
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An adult criminal record and experience in adult jail have long term consequences for youth.
our proposal: keep youth out of jail
We need more diversion and more alternatives for youth before they are pushed into the criminal system. When they are involved, emerging adults, aged 18-20, need to move out of the adult justice system and into the more developmentally appropriate juvenile system. While not perfect, the juvenile system offers accountability while still including programming and supports like education requirements, lower recidivism rates, and no adult criminal record hampering jobs or housing.
"I spent most of my life in foster care. The first time I got arrested was just a few months after turning 18. I didn’t understand the legal system, what it meant to take a plea, what it meant to have a felony record. With help and advocacy I got through it. I’m now 24, in college, and working, but to get here I had to play so much catch up. If we could raise the age, I wouldn’t have been an 18-year-old making those big decisions."
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- Jacob, Graduate and Power is Yours Ambassador
the issue:
the child welfare cliff
the compounding problem:
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Youth aging out of foster care don't have adequate transition plans, and are not prepared for independence.​
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Few sign on to voluntary services, and there is not enough housing for those who do. Many become homeless.​
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Youth experiencing homlessness are at higher risk of being victimized or arrested, and cannot focus on education or employment.
our proposal: positive transitions
We need better ccountability and increased oversight for transition planning within state agencies, which is currently mandated but not enforced.​ Every youth should be engaged in planning for education, workforce, housing, healthcare, and more, and should access housing resources like Foster Youth to Independence vouchers. We can improve this with legislation, but existing systems, like Court and Family Law (CAFL) attorneys, can do more to support youth within current laws.
"I was involved with the Department of Children and Families since age two but didn’t have a transition plan until age 17. That plan was then thrown out due to problems at my group home, and my case was closed. It was only through a lot of advocacy by me and More Than Words that I was able to get support. We need all youth to have plans in place to be successful. We’re just trying to hold this system accountable for what they’re supposed to be doing."
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- Janaya, Alumna and Power is Yours Ambassador