Lawmakers & Youth Leaders Demand Passage of Youth Justice Innovation Fund
Speakers Called for $50 Million Investment in Community-Based Programs Proven to Keep Young People Safe and Out of the System
ALBANY, NY - Today, young people and law makers held a rally at the State Capitol calling for the inclusion of the $50 million Youth Justice Innovation Fund in this year’s budget.
The Youth Justice Innovation Fund, sponsored by New York State Senator Cordell Cleare and Assembly Member Gabriella Romero would direct $50 million to community-based organizations to provide a continuum of services from prevention and early intervention to alternatives to detention, placement and incarceration for youth aged 12 through 25.
In the eight years since Raise the Age was enacted, only a third of the $1.71 billion appropriated for statewide Raise the Age youth justice work has been spent. Of that, less than 20% has been used to support community-based alter natives to incarceration and detention (ATIs and ATDs), diversion, and reentry programs that research shows have equal or better outcomes than confinement, and at a far lower cost.
The Youth Justice Innovation Fund would ensure that State tax dol lars are directed to the most effective services and programs for young people who may come into contact with law enforcement.
“Today we are fighting to support young people across New York who need access to early intervention and prevention with trusted community-based organizations,” said Danajah Young, a 17-year-old college student who successfully completed an alternative-to-incarceration program and is now a member of Legal Action Center’s Youth Justice Council. “We must fully fund services to support youth ages 12-25 to transform our communities into spaces that are inclusive, protective, and more equitable.
“We’re here today because we share a simple belief: young people deserve opportunity, support, and real pathways forward — not systems that punish them when they need help the most,” said Thomas Gant, community organizer at Center for Community Alter natives (CCA). “That’s why we’re calling on lawmakers to pass the Youth Justice Innovation Fund. Evidence shows that community-based programs for young people who come into contact with police are the surest way to pro mote long-term safety. If we want safer neighbor hoods, stronger families, and brighter futures, we must invest in young people before the system ever becomes their path. This year’s budget must include the Youth Justice Innovation Fund. Our young people cannot wait. Our communities cannot wait. The time to invest in opportunity is now.”
State Senator Cordell Cleare, Senate sponsor of the Youth Justice Innovation Fund, stated: “In order to allow our youth and the programs we have designed to empower them to thrive, they must be fully sup ported in every way: fiscally, financially and programmatically. We must act immediately to double down on the promise of Raise the Age and to pass the Youth Justice Innovation Fund this year to fully implement the promise of RTA in the first place and get on a completely new path that serves the needs of our people.”
“The Youth Justice Innovation Fund is about meeting young people with opportunity instead of punishment and investing in what we know works,” said Senator April Baskin. “By directing $50 million to trusted community based organizations, we can reduce youth incarceration and expand mentorship, mental health support, and workforce opportunities. I’m proud to co-sponsor this bill because real public safety starts with strong communities and equitable access to resources for our young people across New York State.”
“Every young person deserves support, oppor tunity, and a real chance to succeed,” said Sena tor Nathalia Fernandez. “The Youth Justice Inno vation Fund would invest in community-based pro grams that help young people stay engaged in school, build skills, and move forward with con fidence. When we invest in prevention and oppor tunity, we strengthen families and make our communities safer.”