Core Principles

The Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) and its members strive to stay in front of emerging and pressing juvenile justice and delinquency prevention issues. CJJ’s core principles are supported by research and the collective knowledge of the organization's membership and have been approved by a super majority of our member states. Click on each policy position to view the full commentary. 

Tenets to Improve Outcomes for Youth
  1. Ensure School Engagement
  2. Promote the Role of Prevention
  3. Engage Youth, Family, and Community
  4. Divert Youth from the Justice System
  5. Reduce Institutionalization
  6. Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities
  7. Ensure Access to Quality Counsel
  8. Create a Range of Effective Community-Based Programs
  9. Recognize and Serve Youth With Specialized Needs
  10. Provide Small Rehabilitative Facilities
  11. Improve Aftercare and Reentry
  12. Keep Youth Out of Adult Courts, Jails, and Prisons