Foundation investments in advocacy can effect groundbreaking changes in laws and public policies.

The Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance, a coalition of nonprofit agencies, advocates, philanthropists, families, youth and public officials, whose mission is to reduce the number of children and youth entering the state’s juvenile and criminal justice systems and to advocate a safe, effective and fair juvenile justice system

Connecticut is one of only three states that automatically sends all 16 and 17 year olds who get in trouble with the law to the adult criminal system, the vast majority of whom are charged with minor offenses. The Alliance organized monthly meetings to share information and build consensus among stakeholders about a reform campaign, did outreach to university students and parent groups, and hosted legislative breakfast meetings around the state to educate local leaders and the public about the consequences of this punitive state policy and to offer effective solutions. More than 500 persons attended these breakfast meetings, including 45 state legislators. In 2007 and 2008, the Alliance sponsored Educate the Legislature days at the state Capitol, drawing 300 advocates, parents and youth wearing orange Raise the Age t-shirts to advocate and lobby lawmakers for changes in state statutes and practices.

The Connecticut General Assembly passed the Raise the Age bill and Governor M. Jodi Rell signed it into law in 2007. Beginning in 2010, 8,000 adolescents ages 16 and 17 who annually would have entered the adult criminal system for minor offenses will have their cases heard in juvenile court and be provided with age-appropriate services in the juvenile system or in their communities.