About AYJA
AYJA Mission
The Alabama Youth Justice Alliance (AYJA) is an alliance of youth-interested advocates, organizations, groups, coalitions, and families who are dedicated to ensuring that Alabama’s youth have the tools and opportunities necessary to grow into healthy, responsible, productive, and happy adults. Alliance members support each other through organized while working with the legislature, government systems, youth, families, and communities to develop reforms that build a stronger and safer Alabama for our children.
AYJA Guiding Principles
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All youth are entitled to a quality public education that provides a realistic opportunity for collegiate or vocational advancement.
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Youth who are identified as being in need of special education services are entitled to a free appropriate education.
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Youth have the right to attend school without fear of harsh and punitive discipline and zero-tolerance school policies and practices.
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Institutionalization is harmful to the growth and development of youth and should be treated as a last resort.
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Racial disparities in education and juvenile systems are unjust and are detrimental to Alabama’s future.
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Youth who are involved in the juvenile and/or criminal justice system are entitled to quality legal counsel that is tailored to the expressed interests of the youth.
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Youth should not be housed with or tried as adults, barring very rare circumstances.
AYJA Members
100 Black Men of Greater Montgomery
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
Alabama New South Coalition- Montgomery Chapter
Alabama New South Coalition- Birmingham Chapter
Alabama Possible – From the Alabama Poverty Project
Alabama Poverty Project
Big Brother Big Sister of Greater Birmingham
Birmingham Faith In Action
The Children’s District
Federation of Child Care Center of Alabama
Greater Birmingham Ministries
Legal Aid Society of Birmingham
National Alliance and Mental Illness of Alabama
Southern Poverty Law Center
VOICES for Alabama’s Children
