Free the People
We are building power with systems-impacted youth and families to dismantle incarceration, policing, and punishment—and to create true safety rooted in care, community, and self-determination.
From our movement home at Chuco’s Justice Center to the streets of L.A., we fight every day for freedom, justice, and transformation.
We are a youth-led, abolitionist organization rooted in self-determination to win real change now. Our organizing is led by impacted youth and adults who believe that liberation is not only possible—it’s urgent. Together, we fight for a future where our people are free, our basic needs are met, and our communities thrive without police, prisons, or punishment.
Chuco’s is our movement home where we heal, organize, and build power. Born from struggle, it’s run by and for systems-impacted youth and families. At Chuco’s, we transform trauma into action, isolation into community, and pain into power. From political education to mutual aid, art to organizing, every corner of this space exists to nurture youth leadership and fuel the fight for our collective freedom.
Our programs develop youth leadership, build community power, and fight systemic harm through organizing, political education, healing, and direct action.
A community-run, alternative charter high school supporting youth (15-24) to earn their diplomas & get connected to community organizing, construction, gardening, and culinary arts.
Free legal support for youth and families offering expungements, navigating the courts, probation and re-entry.
Impacted youth leaders organizing to free every young person from incarceration in L.A. County
Mental and physical health programs rooted in healing, not punishment.
A green space where youth can take gardening classes, grow and harvest food, learn about environmental justice, and join paid fellowships to learn plant cultivation skills.
Whether you’re hitting the streets, sharing your story, or giving what you can—every action builds power. Join us in the fight to free our people and transform our communities.
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall has been deemed out of compliance and unsuitable as a County facility to house youth-it’s time to shut it down and support incarcerated youth with care first services.
Chip in today to help us grow our programs, sustain our movement home, and fight for a world beyond cages and cops.
Follow @youthjusticela to witness youth-led resistance in real time. From actions to art, stories to strategy—this is where we build power and bring our people with us.
Get updates on campaigns, events, urgent calls to action, and ways to plug in. Our movement is growing—and we want you in it.