Get Involved in the Forgotten Children Initiative

Map of the US with brush strokes behind, and voice icons in different states to broadcast stories

There are a few ways you or your organization can join the Forgotten Children Initiative to remember the lives of incarcerated youth resting in unmarked graves.

Help us Research the House of Reformation

Do you know of someone who was sent to the House of Reformation or died there between 1872 and 1939? Tragically, we have only begun to scratch the surface of revitalizing the memories and humanity of the forgotten children. Whether personally or professionally, you may have access to missing pieces in this puzzle.

Not Just Maryland; Help us Draft a National Map

The House of Reformation, sadly, is not unique. Unmarked and lost graves adjoining youth prisons are likely present in states across the country. It is a moral duty for us to help expand this work, collaborate with other states, and launch similar projects to rediscover the lives of those lost and buried. Do you know of other burial grounds for incarcerated children in your community? We’re drafting a national map of similar forgotten burial sites. If you know of one, please email us at centerforyouthjustice@georgetown.edu.

Share Their Stories

As the Initiative grows, we’ll be conducting research into the sites of unmarked graves, recollecting stories of the lives of the children resting in them, and developing resources and calls to action that can drive transformation today. It may be easy to think that this is an initiative about the past, but the past is with us. We need to ensure that all of our country’s forgotten children–whether laying under a cinderblock grave, or sitting in detention today–are treated with dignity and humanity.

Below are a few resources and stories that you can share with your networks and colleagues:

Lost Shoes: The Death of Charles Salisbury

This short six-minute video gives context to the movement leading up to the Initiative, and tells the tragic story of Charles Salisbury.

Forgotten Children Initiative Launch

This hour-long video is a recording of the Forgotten Children Initiative Launch in February. It contains a panel discussion and the Lost Shoes segment.

Forgotten Children Initiative Information Sheet

This information sheet outlines the major goals of the Initiative. You can download it in pdf here. Please feel free to share!

Sign up for our newsletter

Keep in touch. Make sure you’re signed up for the CYJ newsletter to keep informed as we build resources and develop plans. You can sign-up here.

Consider supporting the work through gift

Consider supporting the work through a tax-deductible gift. Your contributions to the Center for Youth Justice Gift Fund will enable us to conduct rigorous research, bring together families, and drive for change. You can make a gift here.