JJDPA Today: CJJ’s Summit on Reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) June 11, 2007

What is ACT 4 Juvenile Justice? A campaign to advance reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) sponsored by the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Coalition Serving as the collective voice of more than 150 organizations nationwide. Delivering a consensus document—the “JJDPA Statement of Principles”—to the 110 th Congress.

JJDPA Statement of Principles Signatories to the Statement of Principles— including CJJ and individual SAGs, among others—are urging the Congress to adhere to four key principles in approaching Reauthorization of the JJDPA. The principles are grounded in research and their efficacy underscored by the fact that the JJDPA has for more than 30 years provided direction and support for juvenile justice system improvements and, thereby, significantly contributed to the diminution of juvenile crime and delinquency.

Four Key Principles I.Keep children and youth out of the justice system II.Ensure equity and competence III.Ensure responses appropriate to a young person’s age and stage of development IV.Strengthen the federal partnership with state and local government

I. Keep children and youth out of the justice system Address their needs and those of their families early and effectively Strategies: –Support a continuum of care –Develop and sustain detention alternatives –Provide effective re-entry and re-connection

II.Ensure equity and competence Ensure equity and competence with regard to race, ethnicity, culture, language, gender and sexual orientation in legal representation before the courts, and throughout all system practices and policies

Ensure equity and competence, continued. Strategies: –Reduce racial and ethnic disparities Direct major resources and report progress –Ensure cultural and linguistic competence –Ensure due process rights and access to counsel –Ensure safety when in the care of the system

III. Ensure responses appropriate to age and stage of development Treat in an age-appropriate manner Provide with developmentally appropriate, evidenced-based services and supports –If sanctions are needed, ensure that they are appropriate to a youth’s age and offense

Responses appropriate to age and development, continued Strategies: –Provide incentives to state and local jurisdictions –Recognize normal adolescent behavior vs. delinquency –Implement restorative justice policies and practices –Take steps to extend federal protections to all youth until age 18 or older

IV. Strengthen the federal partnership with state and local government Provide sufficient resources and appropriations for jurisdictions to effectively implement the JJDPA –Thus, to fully comply with its core requirements, and –To ensure adherence to high performance standards

Strengthen the federal partnership with state and local government, continued Strategies: –Optimize funding levels to fulfill all JJDPA requirements and programs –Ensure OJJDP is responsive to state and local needs –Establish and support the development of performance measures

Get Involved! State and national organizations may sign- on with the Statement of Principles and participate in the Act 4 Juvenile Justice campaign. To sign-on or post questions: See for more information (as of June 20)