TOOLKIT
Youth Justice
The Maryland Catholic Conference supports criminal justice reform efforts that promote family and human dignity. This includes advocating on juvenile justice topics such as youth sentencing and not housing youth in adult jails.
We also support efforts to bring about restorative justice, which views crime and seeks healing in terms of the people and relationships harmed, rather than the law that was broken.
Youth Justice Townhall
As the 2022 legislative session opened, the Maryland Catholic Conference organized a townhall to discuss youth justice system reform in Maryland.
Panelists
- State Senator Jill P. Carter, District 41
- State Delegate J. Sandy Bartlett, District 32
- James Dold, CEO and founder, Human Rights for Kids
- Krystal Williams, Maryland Office of the Public Defender
- Opening prayer: Rev. Marlon Tilghman, Pastor, Ames United Methodist Church
- Moderator: Andre Hepkins, WBAL-TV
Restorative Justice Resources
The Catholic Mobilizing Network, dedicated to restorative justice practice and training, and the end of the death penalty in the U.S., offers numerous resources, including:
- Restorative Justice Engagement Guide for parishes and communities
- Finding a circle trainer
- Listserve for restorative justice practitioners
- Do’s and don’ts for accompanying survivors through the process