Spofford is Closed! CCFY celebrates the closure of notorious Bronx juvenile detention center

On Wednesday, March 30th, NYC Officials announced their plans to close the Spofford Juvenile Detention center for good. For years, community activists and advocates have fought to close down the notorious juvenile detention center. Two years ago, a diverse coalition of youth, parents, clergy, advocates, activists and community organizations began organizing under the United to Stop Spofford Campaign to push for its closure. Today, we celebrate its closure and promise to remain vigilant to ensure that it is never again used to incarcerate children. You can watch video coverage of the closing ceremony on NY1 and read about the closure in the NY Daily News.

White Paper on Community Based Alternatives to Incarceration for Juveniles

A draft in progress of my atiwhitepaper. Updated drafts will be posted periodically.

Towards a Movement: Uniting Organizers and Direct Service Providers in a Movement for Juvenile Justice Reform

Ruben Austria's article, first published in the Spring 2006 edition of the journal Afterschool Matters, explores critical incidents in the New York City movement for juvenile justice reform and reflects on how the principles of youth organizing can help bridge the gap between the goals of social justice and individual youth development.To read the full text of the article, click here: Toward a Movement: Uniting Organizers and Direct Service Providers in a Movement for Juvenile Justice Reform