For the most current information and resources on youth justice, check out HRW's Children's Rights Division's current research.
This toolkit will not be updated after Spring 2026.
About Juvenile Justice
In December, 2010, Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) was introduced that would help make California’s laws more fair, and give a chance to young people to turn their lives around. Authored by Senator Yee, with Principal Coauthors Senators Steinberg and Vargas, and Coauthors Assembly Members Fuentes and Lowenthal, the bill has a growing list of supporters from all walks of life in California. It is a bill that is fiscally wise and policy sound. It both protects the public safety and recognizes the potential of all young people to grow up and give back to society. More information on SB 9 may be found at www.FairSentencingForYouth.org
Background
Recent News
- Apr. 5, 2011 – Senate Bill 9 entered the Calfornia Senate Public Safety Committee hearing and passed by a 5-2 vote. SB 9 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on May 2, 2011. Download a copy of the Senate Bill 9 text.
- Jan. 2, 2011 – Sara Kruzan’s Sentence Commuted to 25 years-to-life in Prison and a new California State Senate Bill is introduced (SB 9). Read the full story on the Los Angles Times.
Legislation & Supreme Court
- Senate Bill 9 Summary – Fair Sentencing for Youth Act
- What happened to Senate Bill 399 – the original LWOP bill of 2010?
- LWOP in the Supreme Court
 Fact Sheets
Juvenile Justice Planning Worksheets
- Download the STF Activity Summary for the Juvenile Justice Week of Faith and Healing (March 7-11, 2011)
- Download the STF Planning Worksheet from the STF visit to the Norwalk Southern Youth Correctional Facility (Feb. 7, 2011)
- Download the STF Breakout Group Worksheet from the 2011 Jazz for Justice (Feb. 11, 2011)
Multimedia
Photo by Jullianne Nubla/Davis Political Review
God Cries When We Sentence Children to die in Prison
When I Die They’ll Send Me Home (6:16)
(Click to watch, 6:16)