Raising the Age

Working to end the practice of trying, sentencing, and incarcerating youth in the adult criminal justice system.

Working to Treat Kids Like Kids


Public Welfare Foundation makes grants to groups who are working to end the practice of trying, sentencing, and incarcerating youth in the adult criminal justice system.

In the last two decades we have vastly increased scientific knowledge about adolescent brain development. However, in that same time we have accelerated the incarceration of children in direct contravention to what we have learned from the scientific community.  Public Welfare Foundation is committed to ensuring that all adolescents and emerging adults are treated in ways that maximize their growth and development to help keep our communities just and safe.

Raising the Age Resources

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Raise the Age

Campaign For Youth Justice

The Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ) is a national initiative focused entirely on ending the practice of prosecuting, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under the age of 18 in the adult criminal justice system. The campaign utilizes both federal and state-level strategies for youth justice reform across the United States.

Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

MCCD is working to raise the age of juvenile justice jurisdiction in Michigan to 18 to ensure that youth are kept out of the adult court system. It also works to support innovative programming for LGBTQ involved youth in Detroit.