CFYJ also seeks to promote research-based, developmentally appropriate rehabilitative programs and services for youth as an alternative to the adult criminal justice system.

CFYJ has sponsored, conducted and released numerous reports and studies illustrating what it believes to be are the problems with prosecuting youth as adults.

The second half of the report examines 27 positive pieces of legislation enacted in 15 states during the last five years, as well as highlights active reform efforts underway in four categories: •Trend 1: Eleven States (Maine, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Nevada, Texas, Ohio, Oregon) have passed laws limiting the ability to house youth in adult jails and prisons.

•Trend 3: Eleven states (Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, Washington) have changed their transfer laws making it more likely that youth will stay in the juvenile justice system.

•Trend 4: Eight states (California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Washington) have changed their mandatory minimum sentencing laws to take into account the developmental differences between youth and adults.