The criminal and juvenile justice systems of this country have plagued communities of color, particularly youth of color. Disproportionately strict sentencing and warehouse-like juvenile institutions are some of the contributing factors of what we call "The Rail To Jail".

The Community Justice Network for Youth (CJNY) is a national network of community-based programs, grass-roots organizations, service providing agencies, and residential facilities that focus their work on youth of color. The CJNY functions as a support network for organizers and practitioners who are on the ground working with youth who are at risk or already involved in the juvenile or criminal justice systems.

We believe that youth of color should be served in their neighborhoods, through programs that are culturally relevant and tied to the well-being of their communities. The CJNY exists to be a national vehicle of organizations that are creating real solutions to replace the failed justice model. Through the promotion of best practices and strong network connections, we aim to STOP "The Rail To Jail".