Jacqueline Montanez became the first girl to be sentenced to life without parole in Illinois for crimes committed as a child of 15. Since her release in 2022 after 31 years in prison, she has become a strong youth advocate who uses her voice and story to inspire young people to strive for a better future.

Nick Morfin spent 25 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Since his exoneration and release, he has started a career in construction and is helping change Chicago’s skyline.

Nelson Morris was sentenced to die in prison for crimes he committed when he was just 17 years old. Now home after 29 years of incarceration, he strives to be his best with the opportunity he’s been given.

Exonerated for a conviction from his teens due to police misconduct and later resentenced and released from prison for another, William Negron is now devoted to building a productive and meaningful life with his family.

Wendell Robinson was sentenced to life in prison under accountability theory for a crime that occurred when he was 17, and for another offense for which he maintains his innocence. He was released after spending more than 25 years behind bars and is now a leader in the fight for criminal legal reform for young people.

In 1982, Joseph Rodriguez was one of the first children sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in Illinois for a crime that occurred when he was 16. After spending over 35 years behind bars, he now works hard to make up for lost time with family and friends.

James Swansey spent three decades behind bars for an offense he committed at age 17. Now, he is a policy advocate who uses his story to convince policymakers and the general public that no child is irredeemable.

Michael Wages was incarcerated from the ages of 15 to 42. In prison, he never expected to have the life he leads now, but he’s learning to embrace the joys and challenges of reentry.