About Us
“The first time I entered a juvenile prison in Latin America, I was shocked how many of the kids were waiting months and months to see a judge. Most have no hope of being released for years. When they are finally released, they go back to their communities with no support system. Lagging behind in school with no work skills, they have few options. Locking up kids for petty offenses actually makes crime worse in the long run as lives are needlessly thrown away… “
In 2013, Douglas Keillor is a human rights attorney. In 2012, Douglas moved to Mexico City as a Fulbright-Garcia Robles Fellow to research juvenile detention. In 2013, he founded Juvenile Justice Advocates International.
Latest News
November 2026 update
“I’m always waiting for him at home.” We met Iris at a youth detention center in Honduras, where her son is being held. We spoke with her to understand what it’s like for families to stay connected while a child is in detention. Iris...
She Couldn’t Visit Her Brother. She Went Anyway.
After a night shift and only a couple of hours of sleep, Angela went to a detention center in Costa Rica for an information workshop. She knew she could not see her brother, but wanted to learn how to advocate for him. Angela knew she...
October 2026 Update
How can a justice system protect the relationships young people and their children depend on? This September, your support kept families connected and sustained JJAI’s work to improve youth justice. Family engagement and technical...