Juvenile Justice

Texas Appleseed works to protect the rights of children and youth in the justice system. We are focused on closing the remaining state secure juvenile facility lockups because they endanger youth and do not promote their rehabilitation or public safety. Instead, we support high-quality, community-based, and research-based interventions and treatment that involve young peoples’ families and communities over the isolation and confinement found in state facilities. We work to minimize their involvement with the justice system and end their mistreatment. For youth involved in the justice system, we are working to protect their dignity.

Juvenile Justice Team

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Headshot of Brett Merfish

Brett M. Merfish

Director of Youth Justice,
Youth Homelessness Project, Juvenile Justice Project

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Headshot of Martin Martinez

Martin A. Martinez, M.P.Aff

Senior Policy Analyst,
Youth Homelessness Project, Juvenile Justice Project