Progeny began this year in defense mode, with House Bill 2329.
- Destination Innovation
- May 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
House Bill 2329
We began this year in defense mode.
In January, Progeny became aware of the harmful implications of HB2329, a bill that threatens to move Kansas further away from youth-centered, rehabilitative justice practices.
HB2329 includes several concerning provisions:
● Doubling detention time for youth from 45 days to 90 days, increasing exposure to
incarceration rather than intervention
● Expanding eligibility for youth incarceration, including moderate-risk youth who
would otherwise remain in community-based settings
● Mandating detention for firearm possession, removing judicial discretion and ignoring individual circumstances
● Redirecting $10 million annually into group home placements, instead of investing in preventative, community-based resources
These policies prioritize punishment over prevention and undermine efforts to build a more equitable youth justice system.
Progeny youth leaders prepared to testify in person in Topeka in opposition to HB2329.
However, due to time constraints in the committee hearing, our team was forced to testify
virtually. Despite these barriers, our youth showed up with clarity, courage, and conviction—ensuring that the voices of impacted young people were heard.
Progeny Campaign Updates
As part of our long-term goal to close the last youth prison in Kansas (KJCC), Progeny is
taking a more direct and strategic approach by developing focused campaigns:
● Close to Home Models
Advocating for community-based alternatives that keep youth connected to family,
education, and support systems
● Raise the Minimum Age of Arrest & Incarceration to 15
Ensuring younger youth are not funneled into the justice system prematurely
These campaigns are grounded in research, lived experience, and national best practices.
Campaign On-Site Research Meetings
Understanding systems firsthand is critical to transforming them.
January 30 – Tour of KJCC (Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex), Topeka
Gained insight into conditions within Kansas’ highest-level youth facility
March 2 – Visit to O’Connell Children’s Shelter
Explored local approaches to youth support and crisis intervention
October 21 (previous quarter) – Visit to Missouri DYS (Watkins Mill Park Camp)
Observed a national model centered on rehabilitation and youth development.
These experiences continue to inform our advocacy and vision for what youth justice in Kansas can look like.
Black Legislative Day – Topeka (Feb 9th)
Progeny youth proudly represented our community at the Capitol, made possible through generous support from the ACLU of Kansas
Debt Free Justice Southern Economic Justice Summit – New Orleans (March 12–15)
Our team engaged in national conversations, highlighting the intersection of:
○ Social justice
○ Economic justice
○ Environmental justice
We continue to emphasize that youth justice is deeply connected to broader systems impacting our communities.
Investing in Youth: Level Up Lab
This March and April, Progeny has been facilitating Level Up Lab in collaboration with Cure Violence ICT, equipping youth with tools for personal and community success.
Core Topics:
● Community Engagement
● Financial Literacy
● Self-Care
● Leadership Development
Our goal is not just participation—but transformation.
What’s Next
● Workshops at Sedgwick Juvenile Facility, Build & Rebuild, and expanded
engagement with USD 259
Meeting youth where they are—in schools, facilities, and community spaces
● Lawrence, KS
Training and education for decision-makers on effective youth defense practices and
how to appropriately engage youth navigating the system
● Denver, CO | Youth First National Convening
Connecting with leaders across the country to build strategies that move us closer to a
future without youth incarceration
A Message to Our Community
We are entering a powerful season of growth, alignment, and impact.
This work is not easy—but it is necessary. We encourage everyone—youth, families, partners, and supporters—to stay engaged, stay informed, and take care of yourselves along the way.
With Love & Peace,
We thank you for your continued support and belief in this work. We look forward to building deeper collaborations and expanding our impact in the months ahead.
Comments