A coalition of organizations that don't work alone.
The Youth Justice Project is a voluntary alliance of DC youth defenders, legal advocates, and allied organizations. Each keeps its own independent voice and mandate. Together, they coordinate the work no single organization can carry alone.
Who makes up the coalition.
Open City Advocates
OCAProvides youth-centered legal defense and holistic advocacy for young people after sentencing in the DC juvenile legal system, and works for systemic improvements to the juvenile legal system, both locally and nationally, to better the lives of marginalized children and youth.
opencityadvocates.orgSchool Justice Project
SJPUses special education law to ensure that older, court-involved students with disabilities have access to a quality education, both during incarceration and throughout reentry.
sjpdc.orgFree Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop
Free MindsBuilds community to foster personal development and systems change for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth and adults through the literary arts, workforce development, trauma healing, peace-building, and member-led advocacy.
freemindsbookclub.orgWashington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
WLCWorks to create legal, economic, and social equity, primarily through strategic litigation and related public policy advocacy. WLC partners with individuals and communities facing discrimination and with the legal community to achieve justice.
washlaw.orgDC Justice Lab
DCJLA team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia's criminal legal system. DC Justice Lab develops smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just.
dcjusticelab.orgDisability Rights DC at University Legal Services
DRDCThe federally designated Protection and Advocacy Program for persons with disabilities in the District of Columbia. DRDC staff serve the District's residents with disabilities through individual representation, investigations of abuse and neglect, education and training, and systemic advocacy.
uls-dc.orgCouncil for Court Excellence
CCEFounded in 1982, CCE is an independent, nonprofit organization that brings people together to conduct research, educate, and advocate in order to make DC's legal systems more just, equitable, and accountable to the community. CCE envisions a DC where individuals, organizations, and government work together to build safe and thriving communities with a trusted legal system that meets the needs of its people, protects their rights, and promotes dignity and justice for all.
courtexcellence.orgListing as a coalition member organization does not mean that every member endorses every coalition position. Shared positions reflect consensus at the time they are adopted, and members may decline to join individual positions while remaining members of the coalition.
No staff. No steering committee. Decisions by consensus.
The Youth Justice Project has no staff and no steering committee. Member organizations make decisions together by consensus. Open City Advocates serves as the coalition's administrative backbone, providing meeting coordination, recordkeeping, and logistics, with no special voting authority.
The coalition is an unincorporated nonprofit association under DC Code § 29–1102 and a legal entity distinct from any of its member organizations. It does not represent individual clients or provide legal advice.
Where we come from.
The Youth Justice Project launched in 2010 to advance a proactive, long-term youth justice agenda in the District of Columbia.
Launched with the support of the Public Welfare Foundation and nine original member organizations. DC Lawyers for Youth provided administrative support until 2018.
Supported the coalition from 2018 to 2025.
Assumed administrative responsibility for the coalition.
Interested in becoming a member?
The Youth Justice Project admits new member organizations by consensus of current members. If your organization works on DC youth justice and wants to explore membership, write to joshua@opencityadvocates.org with a short description of your organization and your interest. We will share the Charter and the membership process with you.