When Brisa was 15 she made a poor decision. 3 years later, although having drastically improved her life, she continues paying the price.

Brisa owes $3,000 in restitution fines as a part of her sentencing. She has been a straight A student, has attended all court hearings and was terminated from probation 3 months after her release from Juvenile Hall. As long as these restitution fines exist, Brisa is indebted to the court which adds an exponential risk to her life and transformation. One month without payment, or a missed court hearing and she could end up back in Juvenile Hall and start this entire process over again.

On top of all of this, Brisa is the oldest of 6 and is supporting her mother in raising her siblings. The part time work she is currently enrolled in supports her and her family. The court is asking that Brisa make larger payments but we know that that simply is not possible.

Data released by organizations like the Vera Institute of Justice show young girls' are treated differently in Juvenile Court. Their needs are often neglected and the cycles of incarceration persist without the required gender responsive attention and care. Data shows Black and Latina girls are disproportionately affected.

Fortunately, Brisa is surrounded by community based organizations like Community Wraparound, and Mid-City CAN that are directly supporting her healing and growth. She has a powerful team of lived experienced mentors and case workers around that believe in her dreams and aspirations.

It's important to note Brisa is also a Youth Justice Community internship fellow employed by Metro Community Ministries at Mid-City CAN. She has shown a commitment to self and collective advocacy. In October she will be attending a Youth Policy Summit in Oakland with her fellow interns. There, she will partake in professional development opportunities and grow as a community organizer whose passion has become helping other system impacted girls.

Help us raise $4,000 for Brisa that will pay of her entire restitution fines and provide a small cushion for her and her family during the closing of this very difficult chapter.

No child should ever endlessly be on probation because of economic disadvantages. Our youth deserve to be free from the institutionalization of the Juvenile Justice system.

We ask that you donate if you possibly can, and share widely.

Brisa is worthy of a life full of freedom and joy just like every other young girl. She has since greatly learned from her mistake and has become a great human being because of it.

Thank you for your contributions

In community,

The Ending Girls' Incarceration Network

From Brisa:

Hi, my name is Brisa, and I'm 18 years old. When I was 15, I made poor decisions while struggling with my mental health and stopped taking my prescribed medication. That led me down the wrong path and got me in trouble with the law for the first and last time. My time in juvenile hall was traumatizing, l witnessed things no young person should ever see, and it completely changed my life. Since then, I've worked hard to rebuild. I'm now a straight-A student, l attend therapy weekly, and I'm part of Community Wraparound, where my mentors have helped me stay focused, grounded, and positive. I also help care for my five younger siblings while working part-time. I still owe $3,000 in restitution fees from my case and simply can't afford it right now. Paying this off would finally allow me to move forward and close this painful chapter of my life. Any amount helps. Thank you for believing in second chances and supporting my journey.