# Coalition for Juvenile Justice

> CJJ is a nationwide coalition of State Advisory Groups (SAGs) and allies dedicated to preventing children and youth from becoming involved in the courts and upholding the highest standards of care when youth are charged with wrongdoing and enter the justice system.


## Posts

- [New Opportunities to Connect Youth Who Experience Incarceration to Health Care](https://juvjustice.org/blog/new-opportunities-to-connect-youth-who-experience-incarceration-to-health-care/): By Lisa Pilnik, Margot Cronin-Furman, and Vikki Wachino, on behalf of the Health and Reentry Project (HARP) http://www.childfamilypolicy.com/ Health care is essential for all children and adolescents, but can be especially important for youth involved in the justice system. Young people who have experienced recent incarceration are more likely than their peers to have physical and mental health conditions such as asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety and depression. Research has also linked incarceration with poorer health in adulthood, ranging from physical limitations to mental health conditions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many youth who are incarcerated may be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, but in [&hellip;]
- [In-District Advocacy Planning Guide](https://juvjustice.org/blog/in-district-advocacy-planning-guide/): In-District Advocacy Planning Guide
- [From Voices to Futures: Youth-Driven Education](https://juvjustice.org/blog/from-voices-to-futures-youth-driven-education/): Written by: Dan Sheridan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA djs0088@auburn.edu and Ashley Anderson, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA ana0031@auburn.edu At the start of this year, my colleagues and I recognized a critical need: to document and share how we meaningfully include the voices of justice-involved youth in our work. We spend a significant amount of time building rapport, having conversations, and listening closely to what matters most to them, especially regarding the voluntary educational programs offered by our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) team. Despite this being central to our clinical model, we noticed a lack of literature offering practical guidance on systematically including youth [&hellip;]
- [Tangible Ways to Champion Vulnerable Children in the Juvenile Justice Landscape](https://juvjustice.org/blog/tangible-ways-to-champion-vulnerable-children-in-the-juvenile-justice-landscape/): By Paul Wallis BuildStrongCommunity.org When you think about vulnerable kids caught in systems that were never built for their flourishing, it’s easy to feel helpless. You aren’t a judge, a lawyer, a policymaker, or a superhero. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. In fact, the smallest, most intentional acts can disrupt cycles and redirect lives. This article isn’t about sweeping gestures or theoretical frameworks. It’s about grounded, accessible steps you can take to advocate for kids in precarious spaces. Wherever you stand, parent, teacher, volunteer, or neighbor, you’ve got reach, and that reach matters. Empower Youth Voices Start by asking the [&hellip;]
- [Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders: Real-World Strategies Parents Can Use to Grow Leadership at Home](https://juvjustice.org/blog/raising-tomorrows-leaders-real-world-strategies-parents-can-use-to-grow-leadership-at-home/): You’re not just raising a child. You’re nurturing a future team builder, change-maker, and communicator. Leadership isn’t something kids suddenly discover in high school student government or their first job interview. It’s crafted day by day, from the living room to the classroom to the dinner table. As a parent, you have a front-row seat to that formation—and more power than you think to shape it.&nbsp; Make Optimism Part of the Routine&nbsp;&nbsp;Staying optimistic isn’t about denying reality—it’s about refusing to let it be the final word. Kids watch closely when things don’t go according to plan: the canceled vacation, the [&hellip;]
- [YJAM 2024: YOUth Are Worth Healing](https://juvjustice.org/blog/yjam-2024-youth-are-worth-healing/): In conversations about youth justice reform it’s necessary to centralize youth healing rather than youth punishment. This matters especially when defining the progress of juveniles already involved with the justice system, or at risk for being so. Keeping in consideration that the human brain only finishes developing in a person’s mid-to-late 20s, many activists, social workers, and lawmakers nationwide have pushed to increase youth mental health services in and out of detention centers. As researchers continue to examine the efficacy of therapeutic services in reducing juvenile crime and violence, two treatments have moved to the forefront: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) [&hellip;]
- [YJAM 2024: YOUth Are Worth Racial Justice](https://juvjustice.org/blog/yjam-2024-youth-are-worth-racial-justice/): “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”– Maya Angelou From the days of child slavery to the modern-day school-to-prison pipeline, the juvenile justice system has a history marred by systemic racism. At its inception, youth of color, specifically black youth, were overrepresented in court proceedings, and significantly underserved by community agencies and services. During the period of segregation, this overrepresentation increased and the addition of “tough on crime” policies further targeted and labeled youth of color as dangerous and delinquent. For example, look at the case of the&nbsp;Exonerated 5. In 1989, [&hellip;]
- [YJAM 2024: YOUth Are Worth Investment](https://juvjustice.org/blog/yjam-2024-youth-are-worth-investment/): Last month marked the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), which is the primary federal policy that governs state juvenile justice systems. Originally signed in 1974, JJDPA has four tenets that all states must comply with:&nbsp;deinstitutionalization of status offenders, adult jail and lock-up removal, sight and sound separation from adult offenders, and a requirement to address racial and ethnic disparities.&nbsp; Prior to the initial establishment of JJDPA, it was consistently observed that children in the incarceral system are often in close proximity with or treated as adults. Children in adult jails have been found to [&hellip;]
- [YJAM 2024: YOUth Are Worth Keeping Safe](https://juvjustice.org/blog/yjam-2024-youth-are-worth-keeping-safe/): “Homelessness, unemployment, drug addiction, mental illness, and illiteracy are only a few of the problems that disappear from public view when the human beings contending with them are relegated to cages…But prisons do not disappear problems, they disappear human beings.”&#8211; Angela Davis, “Masked Racism: Reflections on the Prison Industrial Complex” (1998). As the country heads into another election season, public safety continues to be a hot-button issue on the campaign trail. On both sides of the aisle, candidates and voters are concerned about security and stability within their communities. Amid all the fiery political debate, it may be worthwhile for [&hellip;]
- [YJAM 2024: YOUth Are Worth Being Heard](https://juvjustice.org/blog/yjam-2024-youth-are-worth-being-heard/): “From creating start-ups to igniting revolutions, young people have been toppling the old structures and processes that govern our world. Just imagine what solutions might be found if young people are given the space and encouragement to participate and lead.”&nbsp;– Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations Developing effective ways to protect our country’s high-risk and system-involved youth is no small task. It demands a high level of collaboration, and calls for input from a great variety of sources. Conversations on this topic are led predominantly by adults, be it the OJJDP, US lawmakers, attorneys, or social justice [&hellip;]
- [The 4 Core Requirements of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA)](https://juvjustice.org/blog/the-4-core-requirements-of-the-juvenile-justice-and-delinquency-prevention-act-jjdpa/): On September 7th, 2024, we mark the 50th anniversary of President Gerald Ford signing the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) into law. Since 1974, this landmark legislation has reshaped juvenile justice by promoting reform, deinstitutionalization, and fair treatment for all youth. Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders A status offender is considered a youth who commits an act that would not be considered a crime if they were an adult. These acts include skipping school, running away from the home, breaking curfew, having possession or use of alcohol. Status offenders are not to be held in secure juvenile facilities for [&hellip;]
- [Truancy and Juvenile Justice](https://juvjustice.org/blog/truancy-and-juvenile-justice/): Truancy may not be the concern at the forefront of juvenile justice policy but a look into truancy courts and laws can reveal similar concerns to that of criminal juvenile policy. Although the legal definition of truancy varies by state, being truant is the act of missing school without valid excuse. In many states, truancy is an actual crime and can result in fines and court appearances for both children and parents, with penalties reaching as high as the loss of custody of children. &nbsp; Truancy is often related to or used interchangeably with the term chronic absenteeism, which&nbsp;the U.S. [&hellip;]
- [The Superpredator's lingering impact on juvenile justice policy](https://juvjustice.org/blog/the-superpredators-lingering-impact-on-juvenile-justice-policy/): The early juvenile justice system in the United States mirrored what reform advocates fight for in the present-day. As explained by Dr. Ashley Nellis at The Sentencing Project, “the philosophical beginnings of the juvenile justice system rested on the notion that young people who become delinquent were amenable to reform and the system should respond by providing ample rehabilitation services”. Proceedings were always very confidential and private; In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled not to let juveniles be judged by a jury in order to emphasize the intended privacy of their trials and remove possibility of extensive publicity, which they [&hellip;]
- [Examining the Impact of School Resource Officers and Possible Alternatives](https://juvjustice.org/blog/examining-the-impact-of-school-resource-officers-and-possible-alternatives/): In December 2022, a seven-year-old second-grade student was arrested in his classroom by a School Resource Officer (SRO) for allegedly spitting towards a teacher. The student, who had autism, was pinned down on the floor for 38 minutes as the officer struggled to fit handcuffs onto the wrists of such a small child. Stories like this are not unique. Across the country SROs act as disciplinarians and enforcers in U.S. public schools, involving themselves in matters such as mental health crises and arresting students for school misbehaviors. Earlier in 2024, an SRO violently pinned down another second-grader in Wyoming. As [&hellip;]
- [Teen courts offer community-driven approach to juvenile sentencing](https://juvjustice.org/blog/teen-courts-offer-community-driven-approach-to-juvenile-sentencing/): Teen court diversion programs have grown exponentially in the US over the past few decades, beginning first in Odessa, Texas, in 1983. The initiatives offer lower level, usually first-time justice-involved youth with an alternative sentencing model: being judged by one’s peers. The program involves teen and adult volunteers serving as judges and attorneys; Specifically teen volunteers serve as the jury members who propose and impose sentencing.&nbsp; Teen courts are designed to minimize juveniles&#8217; involvement with the conventional justice system, as it has been shown to increase the likelihood of recidivism. Reforming juvenile justice: A developmental approach, by the National Research [&hellip;]
- [Member Spotlight: Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)](https://juvjustice.org/blog/member-spotlight-kentucky-administrative-office-of-the-courts-aoc/): Below is CJJ&#8217;s August Member Spotlight, which appeared in the August JJ Monitor The Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is the operational arm of the Kentucky Judicial Branch.&nbsp;The Kentucky AOC has earned a national reputation for many of its initiatives including Family Court, Drug Court, judicial center facilities, judicial education, pretrial services, juvenile justice reform, court interpreting services, and diversity awareness.&nbsp;The AOCs Department of Family &amp; Juvenile Services (FJS) is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families involved in Kentucky’s juvenile justice and child welfare systems. FJS provides direct services to children and families and offers [&hellip;]
- [Reframing the Discourse Around Juvenile Delinquency in Therapeutic Settings](https://juvjustice.org/blog/reframing-the-discourse-around-juvenile-delinquency-in-therapeutic-settings/): Donald Winnicott, an English pediatrician and psychoanalyst, made crucial contributions to the field of adolescent psychology in the mid-20th century. His theories, which are extremely relevant to our current juvenile justice system, explore the connotations of the term “delinquency.” He posits that antisocial tendencies, such as lying, aggression, and impaired communication, are inherently linked with deprivation, the lack or denial of something considered to be necessary. In other words, troublesome children often experience a specific failure that resulted in their negative or socially-unacceptable behaviors. It is crucial to think about juvenile justice through this lens for often the criminal legal [&hellip;]
- [Second Chance Month](https://juvjustice.org/blog/second-chance-month/): Reentry On any given day, millions of Americans are incarcerated in prisons and jails around the country. Around 25,000 of these individuals are under 21 and are held in some type of juvenile or adult residential lockup. Almost all of these incarcerated people will eventually be released back into their communities. The process of releasing people from incarceration and reintegrating them into their communities is known as reentry.&nbsp; Reentry can take on one of three forms: The right services and programs are effective in reducing the number of young people who come back into contact with the youth justice system [&hellip;]
- [Diversion in the Juvenile Justice System](https://juvjustice.org/blog/diversion-in-the-juvenile-justice-system/): Famed Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky is often mis-credited with the observation, “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” Regardless of who said it,&nbsp;I would agree, and broaden this to say that the way a nation deals with those who break its laws reflects its priorities and its character. I am a student, living near Chicago in the United States, and I believe refocusing my home nation’s criminal justice system from retribution to rehabilitation is an important step in becoming the nation we want to be.&nbsp; It is especially important to apply such policies [&hellip;]
- [Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Youth Justice System](https://juvjustice.org/blog/racial-and-ethnic-disparities-in-the-youth-justice-system/): Throughout the United States, youth of color are overrepresented at every stage of the juvenile justice system. In 2019, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), American Indian youth were 1.5 times more likely, and Black youth were 2.4 times more likely to be arrested than White youths. In Washington, D.C. alone, Black youth are 11 times more likely to be incarcerated than White youth. The racial inequities are glaring, and there is a growing body of research to suggest that incarceration and court involvement are harmful to young people. Reducing overall involvement with the youth [&hellip;]
- [Changing the Narrative of Youth Crime ](https://juvjustice.org/blog/changing-the-narrative-of-youth-crime/): Youth crime has been on a steady decline since the 1990s. However, the media and press tend to often portray a harmfully, different narrative. By discussing the current trends presented in the Youth and the Juvenile Justice System: 2022 National Report, we aim to shift the conversation around youth crime. It is to be noted that the data presented in the Youth and the Juvenile Justice report reflect data from 2019, as the onset of COVID-19 resulted in substantial delays in data collections in the years after.&nbsp; Youth arrest rates&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the Youth and the Juvenile Justice System: 2022 [&hellip;]
- [Black History Month Reflections](https://juvjustice.org/blog/black-history-month-reflections/): Black History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to the progress and development of our nation. It is also a time to measure how far we have come to forming that “more perfect union” spoken of by our founders.&nbsp; Founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Carter G. Woodson and Preacher Jesse E. Mooreland started Negro History Week in 1926 which over time that evolved into Black History Month.&nbsp; They chose a week in February to pay homage to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By [&hellip;]
- [Purpose or Portrayal: The Dangers of Youth Curfew Laws on Public Safety and Youth Delinquency](https://juvjustice.org/blog/purpose-or-portrayal-the-dangers-of-youth-curfew-laws-on-public-safety-and-youth-delinquency/): Have youth curfew laws failed in their purpose? Arguments against youth curfew laws and recommendations for alternatives. In 2022, a number of communities including Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Forth Worth, began taking measures to implement or expand upon youth curfew laws within their cities. These communities stated as their justification that these laws would help reduce youth crime and victimization.However, little to no evidence exists that supports that youth curfew laws have succeeded in this goal.&nbsp; Currently over 400 towns and cities across the United States have active youth curfew laws. Youth curfew laws allege to restrict the opportunities that youth [&hellip;]
- [Why Young People Should Not Be Tried As Adults in America](https://juvjustice.org/blog/why-young-people-should-not-be-tried-as-adults-in-america/): Sean McGarvey, the author of “Mental Health: Innovation in the Laboratory of Human Behavior,” states, &#8220;This system ignores the unique circumstances and rehabilitative capabilities of young individuals within the justice system.&#8221; I have never read a more accurate quote.&nbsp; The purpose of the juvenile justice system in the United States was to divert young people from the devastating punishments of criminal courts and to encourage rehabilitation based on the requirements of each individual adolescent. However, considering the current state of this system, I’d have to disagree. The disciplinary technique used by the juvenile justice system, as well as the inadequate [&hellip;]
- [CJJ's ELC Presents Policy Recommendations to Federal Leaders](https://juvjustice.org/blog/cjjs-elc-presents-policy-recommendations-to-federal-leaders/): On Thursday, Oct. 27th, young leaders had a one-of-a-kind opportunity to share policy recommendations with Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Administrator, Elizabeth Ryan. Young leaders from the Coalition for Juvenile Justice’s (CJJ’s) Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) and youth from the National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN), had the chance to join virtually and in person in Washington, D.C., to talk about issues that are centralized to youth in the juvenile justice system. CJJ’s ELC is a group of 9 youths ranging from 16-23 from around the country. They help plan and execute CJJ’s Youth Summit each year and [&hellip;]
- [CJJ Releases New Call to Action and Guide for Youth Partnership](https://juvjustice.org/blog/cjj-releases-new-call-to-action-and-guide-for-youth-partnership/): The Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) is pleased to share its newest guide focusing on the crucial work of authentic youth partnership by State Advisory Groups (SAGs.) Youth Partnership: A Call to Action for State Advisory Groups walks SAGs and youth justice agencies through key actions SAGs can take to support authentic youth engagement. CJJ is grateful to the Annie E. Casey Foundation for supporting this work. Achieving the full promise of authentic youth partnership is a priority for all SAGs and one that has historically been and remains a serious challenge for many. Our new resource can provide practical [&hellip;]
- [Youth Justice Action Month](https://juvjustice.org/blog/youth-justice-action-month/): This October, join us by taking part in Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM). Youth Justice Awareness Month started in 2008, when Tracy McClard started advocating for the youth justice movement by organizing a 5K race. McClard lost her son in 2007 when he committed suicide while in adult jail. YJAM started in order to raise awareness about the harms that exist within the juvenile justice system. In 2016 Youth Justice Awareness Month was renamed Youth Justice Action Month to highlight the need to take action to improve our youth justice system.&nbsp; The theme for YJAM 2022 is “Youth Justice is…” [&hellip;]
- [Impact of Roe V. Wade on Youth Involved in the Justice System](https://juvjustice.org/blog/impact-of-roe-v-wade-on-youth-involved-in-the-justice-system/): On the morning of Friday, June 24th, a decision was made that has the potential to directly impact women, young girls, and youth in the youth legal system.&nbsp; The supreme court&#8217;s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade allows states to ban abortion. Young people in the justice system stand to be directly impacted by this decision, particularly youth who are detained. As of 2019,&nbsp; the teen pregnancy rate in the U.S. was 16.7 per 1,000 girls, ages 15-19. According to the CDC(Center for Disease Control), more than 80 percent of teenage pregnancies are unintended. There are many factors that increase [&hellip;]
- [Education in Youth Detention Centers](https://juvjustice.org/blog/education-in-youth-detention-centers/): As summer continues, children across the country are finished with school for the year and starting their summer vacations. Most children look forward to this time without school. However, youth in correctional facilities will not be getting a vacation and will continue to receive a sub-par education. And while questions about what should be taught in schools and to what age groups seem to be constantly in the news, there is one area of education that is not discussed: education in youth detention centers.&nbsp; Every state in the union has a law that requires that all children receive a free [&hellip;]
- [Arts for Justice](https://juvjustice.org/blog/arts-for-justice/): Our world is the canvas and we are the architects, the thinkers, the movers, the inventors, the painters, and the artists. Our children, while being the most vulnerable, are also our inspiration. They are the reason for a better tomorrow. How do we create that image? How do we create such a masterpiece where children are able to explore, adapt, change, experience, and grow safely, particularly when many of our young people are placed in unsafe situations. Each day, more than 43,000 young people who disproportionately identify as people of color and are predominantly male, are held in residential placement [&hellip;]
- [Young People in Solitary Confinement](https://juvjustice.org/blog/young-people-in-solitary-confinement/): There is no way to imagine what it is like to be in solitary confinement.&nbsp; People held there, in prisons across the United States, are kept in tiny cells for 22 to 24 hours a day for days, weeks, or months at a time.&nbsp; They have no one to talk to, nothing to keep their mind occupied, no way to pass the time.&nbsp; They breathe outside air for maybe one or two hours a day and they are only given a book if they are lucky.&nbsp; There is nothing to do, day in and day out, but stare at a [&hellip;]
- [Can Improved Mental Healthcare for Youth Reduce Juvenile Detention?](https://juvjustice.org/blog/can-improved-mental-healthcare-for-youth-reduce-juvenile-detention/): According to the CDC, approximately one in five children 3-17 years of age suffer from a mental, emotional, or behavioral challenge in any given year. And approximately 75-80 percent of these youth that need help are not getting it. While these figures indicate that twenty percent of this population have disorders, studies indicate that a full 66-70 percent of youth in detention centers have at least one diagnosable mental health issue. What accounts for this discrepancy and what can we do to help keep these children from returning again and again to the justice system? The Link Between Mental Health [&hellip;]
- [Girls in the Justice System](https://juvjustice.org/blog/girls-in-the-justice-system/): In a perfect world, the number of young people incarcerated each year would be zero.&nbsp; Incarceration decreases the chances that a child is going to graduate from high school and increases the chances that they are going to end up in an adult prison by the time they turn twenty five.&nbsp; The system we have now is not designed to adequately meet the needs of children, whose brains are not fully developed until the age of 25.&nbsp; And yet we know that if these needs were met, children would be less likely to return to prison as adults.&nbsp; As inadequate [&hellip;]
- [Appropriations 2022: Reinvesting in America's Youth](https://juvjustice.org/blog/appropriations-2022-reinvesting-in-americas-youth/): This Youth Justice Action Month, we call on Congress to invest in our young people and their futures. This May, President Joe Biden released his fiscal year 2022 proposed budget, which proposed $796 million for the Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Juvenile Justice Programs. If approved, this would be the largest allocation in the history of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) since its original passing in 1974. As our young people and their communities reenter school and attempt to recover from two years of collective and individual trauma, now more than ever, it is important to make [&hellip;]
- [Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline](https://juvjustice.org/blog/disrupting-the-school-to-prison-pipeline/): What does it mean to have more police officers in schools than counselors? This fact is just one manifestation of the school-to-prison pipeline, which sees disproportionate numbers of Black and Brown students referred from their schools to the juvenile justice system. Schools and the justice system are so entwined that third grade reading scores and school disengagement rates can help predict the number of prison beds needed in the future. Assistant Professor Virginia Rangel in the College of Education and assistant professors Charles Lea and Juan Barthelemy in the Graduate College of Social Work are collaborating with a Houston-based non-profit [&hellip;]
- [Juvenile Records: Misconceptions, Stigma, and Principles of Juvenile Record Protection](https://juvjustice.org/blog/juvenile-records-misconceptions-stigma-and-principles-of-juvenile-record-protection/): Alongside incarceration, fines, and stigma associated with youth legal system interaction, the ease of digital access to juvenile records in many states creates profound ripple effects for families and individuals in contact with the youth legal system that can be nearly impossible to leave behind. Earlier this month, at CJJ’s&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Annual Conference, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Senior Policy Advisor Andrea R. Coleman shared research from her bulletin, Expunging Juvenile Records: Misconceptions, Collateral Consequences, and Emerging Practices, alongside Juvenile Law Center Staff Attorney Andrew Keats and staff members from Utah Juvenile Defender Attorneys.&nbsp; One of the many misconceptions [&hellip;]
- [President Biden calls for historic funding allocations for youth legal system reform](https://juvjustice.org/blog/president-biden-calls-for-historic-funding-allocations-for-youth-legal-system-reform/): The Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) commends President Joe Biden’s historic call for funding to bolster and reform the youth legal system in the administration’s fiscal year 2022 proposed budget. The President requests a major increase in juvenile justice spending, from $346 million in FY ‘21 to $796 million for FY ‘22. If this allocation came to fruition, it would be the largest budget in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA)’s nearly 50-year history.  Congress passed the JJDPA in 1974 in an effort to address the inconsistent and disparate outcomes faced by youth in the United States’ legal [&hellip;]
- [Pride Month: LGBTQ+ Youth &amp; The Youth Legal System](https://juvjustice.org/blog/pride-month-lgbtq-youth-the-youth-legal-system/): Alongside Pride Month’s parades and rainbow flags come harsh truths about the disparate treatment that persists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQ+) young people in the United States &#8211; particularly those in contact with the youth legal&nbsp;system. Research from The Williams Institute estimates that half of LGBTQ+ youth in the United States are “at risk” for being arrested or coming in contact with the youth legal system. LGBTQ+ youth face immense challenges in the youth legal system, where they are overrepresented by more than two times their prevalence among the general population. While only 7 to [&hellip;]
- [Youth Justice Must Be A Priority This Appropriations Season](https://juvjustice.org/blog/youth-justice-must-be-a-priority-this-appropriations-season/): Joaquin E DiazDeLeon once said “Rehabilitation happens when teenagers are forced to connect with their communities and confront their mistakes”. Youth justice funding is critical for such community-based rehabilitation to happen.  Youth Justice in the United States has predominantly been the province of the states and their localities, and as a result laws pertaining to youth vary from state to state. Although the federal government does not generally play a direct role in administering youth justice, the federal government influences youth justice by authorizing and funding grant programs administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ&#8217;s). In 1974, Congress passed the first comprehensive piece of [&hellip;]
- [Centering Grace During Virtual Learning: Who’s Most Impacted](https://juvjustice.org/blog/centering-grace-during-virtual-learning-whos-most-impacted/): School discipline data are clear: Black students, especially those with disabilities, are punished at higher rates than their classmates. Even Black students’ dress and hair are seen as punishable. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these same harsh discipline practices continue to contribute to Black students’ exclusion from virtual learning environments. What does it mean when discipline, and not compassion, is the first response to a new educational space? When the immediate and primary reaction to tardiness, behavioral concerns, or faulty technology is to punish and prevent youth from attending school, marginalized students suffer most. Schools create and reinforce [&hellip;]
- [Youth Justice Reform in 2020](https://juvjustice.org/blog/youth-justice-reform-in-2020/): For more reasons than one, 2020 has been labelled an unforgettable year for the history books. Living in a time where criminal justice has received a mass of public attention, making its way from protests to social media up to the 2020 ballot, support and reform geared towards youth affected by the justice system has become a much awaited reality. From the East coast to the West, the biggest cry for community development yet has caused state officials to rethink how much funding should be invested in law enforcement and how much in community-based alternatives. This year, California’s mid year [&hellip;]
- [Policy Platform Voting on November 20th](https://juvjustice.org/blog/policy-platform-voting-on-november-20th/): CJJ’s Council of State Advisory Groups has approved four policy platforms that aim to address racism at the front end of the youth justice system, with plans to take a deeper look at recommendations related to School Resource Officers in the upcoming months. This work uses information from the Center for Children’s Law and Policy, Dr. Cherie Dawson-Edwards of the University of Louisville, young people, families, law enforcement, service providers, policy advocates, SAG Chairs, Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinators and Juvenile Justice Specialists from across the country. It was funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The platforms, which were [&hellip;]
- [Grace’s Story](https://juvjustice.org/blog/graces-story/): News reports that a teen girl (being referred to in the media by her middle name, Grace, to protect her identity) was locked up for failing to complete her online coursework in the midst of COVID-19 have incited massive public outrage and sparked a much-needed national conversation on youth justice and mental health.&nbsp; This story broke at a time when many jurisdictions across the country are preparing to begin their 2020-2021 school years, many of them only in a remote capacity, and many others in a partial remote capacity. This case is an illustration of the longstanding need to connect [&hellip;]
- [Why All States Should Embrace Vermont’s Raise the Age Initiative](https://juvjustice.org/blog/why-all-states-should-embrace-vermonts-raise-the-age-initiative/): As of July 1, 2020, Vermont’s age for original jurisdiction in juvenile court has increased to include 18-year-olds, rendering it the state with the highest juvenile jurisdiction age cutoff in the country. The state’s court jurisdiction will increase further in the coming years; on July 1, 2022, it will expand to include 19-year-olds and again in 2024 to include 20-year-olds. It should be noted, however, that this new law does provide for certain statutory and discretionary exceptions for a number of serious, violent crimes that will be handled in adult court. New York also raised its age to 18, effective [&hellip;]
- [Newly Released: Desktop Guide to Good Juvenile Probation Practice](https://juvjustice.org/blog/newly-released-desktop-guide-to-good-juvenile-probation-practice/): Last month&nbsp;the Annie E. Casey Foundation, in collaboration with the National Center for Juvenile Justice, debuted an updated and electronic version of the Desktop Guide to Good Juvenile Probation Practice. The online Guide includes a new vision for the future of juvenile probation; a timeline of the history of juvenile probation; a resource library on transformed juvenile probation practices; and a set of modules on topics including&nbsp;Equity in practice, Limiting system involvement, Case management, Effective responses, Role of detention, and Organizational culture and development. The Desktop Guide to Good Probation is comprehensive and can provide juvenile probation departments with information [&hellip;]
- [Exploring the Overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ Youth in the Juvenile Justice System](https://juvjustice.org/blog/exploring-the-overrepresentation-of-lgbtq-youth-in-the-juvenile-justice-system/): June is Pride Month. As we celebrate the advances made toward the acceptance and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, let us also be reminded of the progress yet to be seen and motivated to continue the fight for equality. In addition to dealing with the same universal adolescent challenges as their heterosexual, cisgender peers, LGBTQ+ youths are more likely to endure additional hardships such as harassment at school, depression and suicidal ideations, substance abuse problems, and homelessness. Notably, LGBTQ+ youths are also overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, which is under-equipped to accommodate their unique needs and experiences. While lesbian, [&hellip;]
- [Willful Defiance](https://juvjustice.org/blog/willful-defiance/): On July 1st, California Senate Bill 419 will go into law, which ends suspensions for “willful defiance” for students in fourth and fifth grade. The bill also includes a five-year trial of banning suspensions for students in grades six through eight. This bill is an important step in making our school discipline system more equitable. It follows a long trend of reform legislation passed by the California legislature, making California one of the most progressive states in the nation with regards to juvenile justice reform. Willful defiance is an overly vague area of school discipline. It is defined as “disrupting [&hellip;]
- [Mental Health in Youth Facilities](https://juvjustice.org/blog/mental-health-in-youth-facilities/): May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now more than ever, as we reflect on this month&nbsp;and the trauma of the moment that we are in, it is crucial that we do not forget about young people in the justice system. Youth involved in the justice system have mental health disorders at a disproportionate rate compared to the general population. A 2006 study from the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice estimated that roughly 70% of youth in juvenile detention facilities meet the criteria for at least one mental health disorder (Shufelt &amp; Cocozza, 2006). The most common disorders [&hellip;]
- [COVID-19: Reducing the impact on vulnerable youth](https://juvjustice.org/blog/covid-19-reducing-the-impact-on-vulnerable-youth/): In recent weeks, a public health crisis has unfolded across our country which will require unprecedented actions to contain. As federal, state, and local governments plan their responses to COVID-19 and attempt to slow the spread of the virus, it is essential that we keep in mind the impact that this emergency may have on young people, including those who are at risk of becoming involved with the justice system, or who are already involved with the justice system, particularly those who are locked behind bars. The pandemic and its potential impacts on our youth continue to change and evolve [&hellip;]
- [10 Self-Care Tips](https://juvjustice.org/blog/10-self-care-tips/): 1. Listen to your body! As a Somatics Practitioner, it is important that I have you understand that we are holding things within our soma/bodies that can lead to an immuno-compromised state. Rest and disengage when you need to! Breathe deeply, often, and intentionally. 2. Do something for your peace of mind and increased positive energy. Pray, meditate, do yoga, do calisthenics, take a walk. Data indicates that 10-15 minutes of dedicated activities like these daily are incredible effective for stress relief. 3. Limit social media, especially in the first hour of your waking day. 4. Get enough sleep! Disconnect! [&hellip;]
- [Freedom Readers: What I Lost and Gained from My Literary Correspondence with My Incarcerated Student](https://juvjustice.org/blog/freedom-readers-what-i-lost-and-gained-from-my-literary-correspondence-with-my-incarcerated-student/): I often feel distressed when I hear of a boy/young man who has been incarcerated. Something about it always seems unfair. Several questions come to my mind: Which of his essential needs has not been met; how much poverty has he experienced; since what unnatural age has he had to look out for himself; what kinds of traumatic experiences has he undergone; who have been his caretakers and/or who should have been; how attached is he to his caretakers and how deep have their conversations been; how much time has he spent on the streets or in front of a [&hellip;]
- ["I Am Proof of Both Failure and Success"](https://juvjustice.org/blog/i-am-proof-of-both-failure-and-success/): I am proof of both failure and success. The failure of parents to provide basic needs and safety. The failure of child service systems that move youth from place to place instead of providing sustainable solutions. The failure of courts to make decisions in the best interest of the youth, not their financial contracts. The failure of teachers who call the police to arrest rather than educate and provide social development. The failure of other youth to provide friendship and safety. The failure of adults to provide assistance and support to a community. And yet, I am proof of success. [&hellip;]
- [Kentucky's Racial and Ethnic Disparities Efforts](https://juvjustice.org/blog/kentuckys-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-efforts/): In 2014, Kentucky experienced sweeping reforms to the Kentucky Juvenile Code which expanded access to diversion to prevent youth from progressing deeper into the juvenile justice system and focus the most intensive resources on the most serious offenders.&nbsp; The results have been incredible with youth access to diversion increasing by 36% and youth detention rates dropping by 10%. &nbsp;&nbsp;Although highly successful, the reforms have made apparent the disproportionate and disparate outcomes for youth of color that have contact with Kentucky’s Juvenile Justice System.&nbsp; The below chart shows the Court Designated Worker (CDW) Program (Kentucky’s pre-court diversion and intake program) data [&hellip;]
- [True Justice for Lost Borderlands Youth: Facilitating Reconnection, Validation and a Healthy Sense of Identity in their Labyrinthic Journeys](https://juvjustice.org/blog/true-justice-for-lost-borderlands-youth-facilitating-reconnection-validation-and-a-healthy-sense-of-identity-in-their-labyrinthic-journeys/): “The recipes, the herbs and the cures; the music and the songs and the dances; the prose and the poems, the sorrows, the joys; the gain, the loss. This is my legacy. But I am old and failing. I entrust it to you lest it be lost and forgotten.” (Preciado Martin, 1993, p. 36) He was hunted by nostalgia. His yearning to explore the history of his ancestors in a land he barely knew was unmatched among all of my students. His need to understand and connect to his roots overwhelmed and made him sad. It was as if he [&hellip;]
- [Addressing the Needs of Pregnant Youths](https://juvjustice.org/blog/addressing-the-needs-of-pregnant-youths/): The video of Diana Sanchez writhing and screaming as she endures labor and the birth of her child alone in a cell with no medical attention or help has rightly gone viral, attracting attention to the underpublicized experience of incarcerated pregnant people.&nbsp; For far too many individuals who give birth behind bars, the experience is marked by inadequate medical care, an increased likelihood of obstetric complications, and dangerous birthing conditions. For youths in the juvenile system, the situation is remarkably bleak. The juvenile justice system is designed to accommodate male inmates, who make up the majority of incarcerated youth, and [&hellip;]
- [True Justice for Borderlands Youth: Harsh Treatment, Subtractive Discipline](https://juvjustice.org/blog/true-justice-for-borderlands-youth-harsh-treatment-subtractive-discipline/): When I think of punishment in schools, the first image that comes to my mind is the one of a large angry adult leaning over and pointing at a child half their size, shouting something like: “I am going to teach you a lesson!” A lesson the child is not able to learn,&nbsp;for their totally stressed out amygdala has detected a threat and is only trying to figure out how to self-defend and protect. The child is feeling fearful, voiceless, disempowered, undignified,&nbsp;and&nbsp;totally alone. Still,&nbsp;today it happens most of all to the traditionally marginalized. Because of their lower advantage, they are [&hellip;]
- [JJDPA Reauthorization: Updated Protections to Ensure Equity for Youth](https://juvjustice.org/blog/jjdpa-reauthorization-updated-protections-to-ensure-equity-for-youth/): In December 2018, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) was reauthorized and updated for the first time in 16 years. The Juvenile Justice Reform Act, H.R. 6964, passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. This critical legislation, which will be implemented starting October 1st, gained bipartisan support and will have tremendous impacts on the juvenile justice field in years to come.&nbsp; The JJDPA was first passed by Congress in 1974 in order to ensure youth in the justice system received a series of core protections. The JJDPA ensures that all youth, regardless of the state they live in, are [&hellip;]
- [2019 Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/blog/2019-youth-summit/): 2019 Youth Summit: Catalysts for Equity and Change Photo Recap Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Youth Summit: Catalysts of Equity and Change. This year’s summit was held at the University of Washington in Tacoma, Washington. We were thrilled to have so many enthusiastic leaders coming together to learn about juvenile justice!&nbsp; Naomi Smoot, Executive Director of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ), welcome this year&#8217;s attendees. The Youth Summit is planned and carried out each year by members of CJJ’s Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC).&nbsp; Senator Jeannie Darneille, representing the 27th District, talks about her commitment for juvenile [&hellip;]
- [The Healing Quality of Restorative Circles for Young Offenders](https://juvjustice.org/blog/the-healing-quality-of-restorative-circles-for-young-offenders/): In my native language, Spanish, we use the word cariño as an expression of care and affection. It is a critical component of my restorative justice work utilizing circles as a place of healing sanctuary. In the safety of the circle of cariño, youth are empowered to contemplate how to repair the harm caused by their actions. In Fairfax County, Virginia, for a first offense of the youth perpetrator, the police officer present at the scene can refer him or her to a restorative justice solution. This alternative to traditional disciplinary procedures involves rehabilitation, inclusion and reintegration in contrast to [&hellip;]
- [Who was Really “Wilding”? When They See Us Highlights The Wrongful Conviction of Black Youth with Language and Learning Disorders](https://juvjustice.org/blog/who-was-really-wilding-when-they-see-us-highlights-the-wrongful-conviction-of-black-youth-with-language-and-learning-disorders/): In the United States, there are hundreds of unspoken cases in which the vulnerability of young black males with language and learning disorders are not taken into account during police interrogations. Language and learning disorders are difficulties that are language based and can impact a youth’s expressive language, receptive language, comprehension, and reading skills. Within these cases, there is gross neglect in determining the youth’s competency&#8211; ability to demonstrate a degree of rational comprehension and actual understanding of their legal proceedings. The Central Park Five mini-series is a real-life jarring example of this vulnerability, and the epidemic and plight of [&hellip;]
- [Kansas Reduces Youth Confinement by 63% While Reinvesting $30 million in Evidence Based Programs](https://juvjustice.org/blog/kansas-reduces-youth-confinement-by-63-while-reinvesting-30-million-in-evidence-based-programs/): Kansas Reduces Youth Confinement by 63 % While Reinvesting $30 million in Evidence Based Programs A new report shows that data-driven legislative reforms in Kansas have had more significant outcomes than the state anticipated. “The reductions in residential placement have already surpassed those projected when the legislation was enacted. The reforms are well on their way to an expected $72 million in total for reinvestment by 2020,” the Pew Charitable Trusts stated in a recent article. &nbsp; The Kansas Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee reports that since implementing S.B. 367 in 2016, the state has seen a 63 percent reduction in [&hellip;]
- [Black Girls in the Delinquency System: “Defiance” or Disorder?](https://juvjustice.org/blog/black-girls-in-the-delinquency-system-defiance-or-disorder/): Racial and ethnic disparities and mass incarceration of black youth has received a lot of attention in the areas of research, legislative, and political focus over the last few years. However, the school-to-confinement pipeline and mass incarceration movement has been vastly based on and for the most part solely highlights the injustices committed on black males. Despite the fact that black girls who are in the justice system and committed to facilities has become the fastest growing population in the United States (Sawyer, 2018). Twenty-five percent of all petitioned status offense cases brought into U.S. courts annually are against girls, [&hellip;]
- [Giving Youth a Second Chance Through Teen Court](https://juvjustice.org/blog/giving-youth-a-second-chance-through-teen-court/): I had never heard of Teen Court before a classmate who volunteers told me about it one day. Once I signed up and started volunteering, I couldn’t stop wondering why more youth don’t know about this great program. Over the past year, I have been volunteering at Teen Court every other week and it has become one of my most meaningful activities.&nbsp; Teen Court is important to me because I care about the youth in my community. Being a teenager inherently involves experimenting, so there needs to be room for teens to make mistakes without disastrous consequences and Teen Court [&hellip;]
- [The Cost of Justice](https://juvjustice.org/blog/the-cost-of-justice/): “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.” The right to legal representation is one of the hallmarks of our justice system. What happens, though, when youth move through the juvenile (and sometimes adult) systems without legal representation? A recently released report by the Juvenile Law Center, examines the impact “free” counsel has on system-impacted youth. Public defenders exist for those who are accused of a crime and cannot afford to hire a private attorney. The Supreme Court case In re Gault recognized the importance of legal representation for [&hellip;]
- [2018 Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/blog/2018-youth-summit/): Youth Summit: A Photo Recap Thank you to everyone who attended CJJ’s 2018 Youth Summit, “Empowering Youth: Resiliency Through Trauma”! This year’s Summit took place Aug. 1-3 at the University of the District of Columbia’s David A. Clarke School of Law. It brought together more than 200 people for a &nbsp;virtual and in-person event. Welcome to the Fishbowl!, featuring professionals and youth from New York City’s juvenile justice system, allowed for both the panel and the audience to discuss experiences and circumstances that lead to system involvement, the importance of establishing and maintaining youth/adult partnerships, and new ideas for juvenile [&hellip;]
- [What is the Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC)?](https://juvjustice.org/blog/what-is-the-emerging-leaders-committee-elc/): The Coalition for Juvenile Justice’s Emerging Leaders Committee is a partnership between Coalition for Juvenile Justice and emerging leaders in the field of juvenile justice, many of whom bring lived expertise to their work. This committee helps shape CJJ’s work, while further developing the leadership, advocacy skills, and professional interests of the emerging leaders. The Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) is a key part of CJJ’s work. This year, ten dynamic youth leaders from nine states were appointed to serve on the committee, and ensure youth perspectives are integrated into every aspect of CJJ’s work, from promoting youth engagement to shaping [&hellip;]
- [Juvenile Justice in the 21st Century: Sifting Through the Trends (Blog 2/3: Race and Ethnicity)](https://juvjustice.org/blog/juvenile-justice-in-the-21st-century-sifting-through-the-trends-blog-2-3-race-and-ethnicity/): Note: The term &#8216;Latinx&#8217; used throughout refers to youth of Hispanic and / or Latino ancestry. In cases where the term is used in reference to OJJDP or other data, it is intended to refer to youth who are identified as Hispanic / Latino in the relevant data source&#8217;s data collection protocol (e.g., survey questionnaires, data collection, etc.). It is not news that our juvenile justice system reinforces existing inequalities, injustices, and failings in American society. More than two-thirds of the 48,043 youth in residential placement in 2015 were youth of color (YOC) despite the fact they account for less [&hellip;]
- [Criminal Justice Shouldn’t Deny Youth the Chance to Win Gainful Employment](https://juvjustice.org/blog/criminal-justice-shouldnt-deny-youth-the-chance-to-win-gainful-employment/): Juvenile facilities are increasingly offering opportunities to young people to focus on training and&nbsp;development of vocational skills. Take the Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Detention Center in&nbsp;Alabama, which recently received funds to continue developing their program to&nbsp;teach youth welding. The program has improved youth engagement, fostered math skills and&nbsp;encouraged youth to earn a GED, according to the director of the program. However, without post-release support and logistical training, education alone does not ensure&nbsp;youthful offenders a viable career path. To become a gainfully employed welder, for example, a&nbsp;youth would need to obtain certification and, in some states like New York, attain further&nbsp;licensing. And [&hellip;]
- [Juvenile Justice in the 21st Century: Sifting Through the Trends (Blog 1/3: Overview)](https://juvjustice.org/blog/juvenile-justice-in-the-21st-century-sifting-through-the-trends-blog-1-3-overview/): The U.S. incarcerates its residents at an infamously high rate – 666 adults were locked up for every 100,000 individuals in 2015. In raw terms, that comes to more than 2 million people, putting our nation’s prisoners at 130% of the world’s second-highest incarcerated population (China) and over 300% of the third-highest population (Brazil). Many of the issues associated with such high rates of incarceration are also prominent in the juvenile justice system &#8211; an unsurprising trend given the frequency with which young boys and girls are punished through the adult penal system. Despite its appeal to some tough-minded criminal justice professionals, [&hellip;]
- [Now Is Not The Time To Give Up On America's Youth](https://juvjustice.org/blog/now-is-not-the-time-to-give-up-on-americas-youth/): Our nation’s juvenile justice system receives the lowest level of federal funding it has seen in history, with no indication that this trend will be reversed. And despite the reduction in overall youth incarceration, the systemic gutting of institutions across the countries is a real possibility.&nbsp; In 2015, as many as 70,000 children and adolescents were held in America’s juvenile correctional facilities, group homes, residential treatment centers, and other institutions of what is collectively termed ‘the juvenile justice system’. &nbsp;Of these youth, no fewer than 48,000 were held in longer-term ‘residential treatment’ facilities as part of a post-adjudication judgment or [&hellip;]
- [Principles of Change for Addressing the Intersections of Juvenile Justice Involvement and Youth Homelessness](https://juvjustice.org/blog/principles-of-change-for-addressing-the-intersections-of-juvenile-justice-involvement-and-youth-homelessness/): The Coalition for Juvenile Justice and our partners, the National Network for Youth and the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, are seeking to address the intersections between juvenile justice and youth homelessness. In our recently-released Principles for Change report, we drew on expertise from across the country to help ensure that young people do not experience homelessness as a result of being involved in the justice system, and alternatively, that experiencing homelessness does not lead young people into contact with the justice system. Every year, more than one million youth are involved in some way [&hellip;]
- [Juvenile Justice Talk on The Hill](https://juvjustice.org/blog/juvenile-justice-talk-on-the-hill/): It’s a phrase seldomly heard in today’s politics: “bipartisan support.” That is exactly what the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) has in Congress though. Already this year, both the House and Senate have held hearings about the importance of the JJDPA, and expressed commitment to the Act’s reauthorization. The Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education hosted a hearing February 15th entitled: “Providing Vulnerable Youth the Hope of a Brighter Future Through Juvenile Justice Reform.” During the hearing community leaders spoke about initiatives in their state to assist vulnerable youth, and discussed how [&hellip;]
- [Help us create a brighter tomorrow for our youth](https://juvjustice.org/blog/help-us-create-a-brighter-tomorrow-for-our-youth/): For more than 30 years, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) has worked tirelessly to help ensure that our children can lead safe lives and be prepared for productive futures. As we embark on a new era &#8211; both as a country, and as an organization &#8211; we remain committed to this goal. CJJ has established itself a leader in the field and a recognized voice at the federal level. In recent years, we have helped educate our members and the broader community about the dangers of needlessly incarcerating our children for running away from home, skipping school, and engaging [&hellip;]

## Pages

- [Annual Report](https://juvjustice.org/annual-report/): About this Report Powering a Network of Change Agents Transforming Youth Justice As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, &#8220;Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.&#8221; Your dedication and persistence embody this truth, and I am truly grateful to lead alongside this incredible group of youth justice warriors. Melissa Milchman, Executive Director Our Philosophy At the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, we envision a nation where fewer children are at risk of delinquency, and where every young person—regardless of their circumstances—has access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. For those who are at risk or [&hellip;]
- [Giving Tuesday](https://juvjustice.org/giving-tuesday/): As 2025 draws to a close,&nbsp;we would like&nbsp;to share a story—not just about one young person, one community, or one program, but about a movement that continues to grow&nbsp;because of&nbsp;people like you.&nbsp; It begins the way many of our stories do: with a community searching for safety, families searching for support, and young people searching for hope.&nbsp; This year began with a powerful reminder of our collective strength. In&nbsp;January,&nbsp;41&nbsp;states and territories renewed their State Advisory Group (SAG) memberships with CJJ, reaffirming a shared commitment to safety, accountability, and justice for young people. Each renewal&nbsp;represented&nbsp;a community standing up to say:&nbsp;We believe [&hellip;]
- [2025 Youth Justice in Action Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2025-youth-justice-in-action-conference/): The Coalition for Juvenile Justice proudly announces the&nbsp;Youth Justice in Action Conference, which will take place&nbsp;October 14-16, 2025, in&nbsp;Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Please note that October 14th is only early registration and the Networking Community Event that evening). This impactful convening will coincide with&nbsp;Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM)—a national movement dedicated to raising awareness about the needs of young people impacted by the justice system and taking action in local communities nationwide.&nbsp; Each October, YJAM brings together advocates, policymakers, practitioners, and—most importantly—youth, to advance a vision that all children, youth, and families have opportunities to live safe, fulfilling lives in their communities. [&hellip;]
- [Issue Areas](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/issue-areas/): &#8220;I am delighted these standards have come to fruition. They represent an exhaustive and thoughtful effort by the Coalition for Juvenile Justice and allied organizations, and will be of immense help to policy makers and practitioners striving to eliminate the use of detention in status offense cases. These standards are a high quality resource that is long overdue.&#8221;Shawn C. Marsh, Ph.D.Chief Program Officer &#8212; Juvenile LawNational Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Truancy and Other Status Offenses The&nbsp;National Standards&nbsp;pay special attention to issues relating to truancy and chronic absenteeism because research has shown that missing school is a significant [&hellip;]
- [Archived Resources](https://juvjustice.org/archived-resources/): Archived Resources Predating &#8211; 1/1/17 Please contact us at&nbsp;info@juvjustice.org&nbsp;if you require a copy of any resource listed below. Former URL Title Associated Report https://www.juvjustice.org/resources/234 1988 Annual Report: A Delicate Balance A Delicate Balance.compressed.pdf https://www.juvjustice.org/resources/243 1997 Annual Report: False Images: The News Media and Juvenile Crime (Executive Summary) resource_126_0.pdf https://www.juvjustice.org/resources/244 1998 Annual Report: A Celebration or a Wake? The Juvenile Court After 100 Years (Executive Summary) resource_125_0.pdf https://www.juvjustice.org/resources/245 1999 Annual Report: Ain&#8217;t No Place Anybody Would Want to Be: Conditions of Confinement for Youth (Executive Summary) resource_124_0.pdf https://www.juvjustice.org/resources/246 2000 Annual Report: Handle With Care: Serving the Mental Health Needs of Young [&hellip;]
- [Update SAG Member Information](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/state-advisory-group-members/update-sag-member-information/): SAG Member Update Form Additional Questions? info@juvjustice.org
- [Partners &amp; Funders](https://juvjustice.org/about/partners-funders/): Current Funders Annie E. Casey Foundation Raikes Foundation The Tow Foundation Past Funders Andrus Family Fund MacArthur Foundation Melville Charitable Trust Pew Charitable Trust’s Public Welfare Foundation Partners and Collaborators Act4JJ Coalition Cross-Sector Advocacy Group Georgetown University TTA Center for State Compliance with the R/ED Core Requirement National Youth Justice Network (NYJN) New York State Youth Justice Institute (NYS YJI) NBA Coalition for Social Justice National Network for Youth (NN4Y) National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) National Council on Youth Homelessness (NCYH) Point Source Youth National Partnership Learning Collaborative (NPLC) The Sentencing Project Huntington Learning Center Coalition [&hellip;]
- [Employment &amp; Internships](https://juvjustice.org/about/employment-internships/): Open Positions No current Employment Opportunities at this time. Internships Summer 2025 Internship Applications are CLOSED. Blogging Guidelines for CJJ 1. Purpose and Audience Define Your Purpose: Blogs should aim to inform, educate, advocate, and raise awareness about juvenile justice issues. Know Your Audience: Tailor content to engage stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, advocates, youth, and the general public. 2. Content Guidelines Relevance: Focus on topics related to juvenile justice, including policy changes, research findings, personal stories, advocacy efforts, and best practices. Accuracy: Ensure that all information is fact-checked and sourced from credible references. Use statistics and data responsibly. Clarity and [&hellip;]
- [Core Principles](https://juvjustice.org/about/core-principles/): Tenets to Improve Outcomes for Youth
- [Staff](https://juvjustice.org/about/staff/): Melissa Milchman Executive Director milchman@juvjustice.org Melissa is a steadfast youth advocate and juvenile justice reform professional whose passion and professional journey is dedicated to developing and enhancing systems of care that prevent or reduce the impact of system&nbsp;involvement&nbsp;for youth and families. Melissa&#8217;s core areas of subject matter expertise include: government administration, grants and strategic initiatives, evidence-based prevention, authentic youth engagement, and collaboration among youth-serving systems and communities. Melissa previously served as the Juvenile Justice Specialist for the District of Columbia and facilitator of the DC State Advisory Group, known locally at the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (JJAG), where she convened [&hellip;]
- [Definitions and Key Principles](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/definitions-and-key-principles/): Definitions Glossary of Terms This section defines key terms used throughout the&nbsp;National Standards. Because so much of status offense and juvenile justice policy and practice is local, not all acronyms or terms used in certain localities are listed below. &nbsp; Adolescent brain science –&nbsp;a field of scientific study focusing on the development of the human brain from the onset of adolescence (approximately age 10) to the time when the brain has fully developed (approximately age 25), as well as its implications for social, education, child welfare and justice policy.1 Adoption and Safe Families Act (AFSA) –&nbsp;a federal statute enacted in [&hellip;]
- [Section 4](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/section-4/): Recommendations for Policy and Legislative Implementation This section includes recommendations for policymaker to institute legislative, policy, administrative and budgetary changes that align with and support the implementation of the previous sections of the&nbsp;National Standards. This list of state and federal law and policy recommendations should be used by federal, state and local policymakers to help effect meaningful changes to status offense laws and policies.&nbsp; These changes can promote early&nbsp;intervention,&nbsp;diversion&nbsp;and increased and coordinated services and support for youth and their families. This section can also be used by policy advocates to support their organizational efforts to change state and federal laws, [&hellip;]
- [Section 3](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/section-3/): Efforts to Limit Court Involvement This section of the&nbsp;National Standards&nbsp;focuses on what efforts court system stakeholders should make to limit court involvement when pre-court&nbsp;diversion&nbsp;efforts have not produced desired outcomes. The following Standards offer guidance to judicial, legal and other professionals working within the court system on how they can use the court’s powers to ensure the proper services are implemented while avoiding deeper court involvement. &nbsp;They also provide specific guidance at various stages of the case to ensure best outcomes for youth and families, highlighting key principles and practices court system stakeholders should utilize along the way. &nbsp; Key Principles [&hellip;]
- [Section 2](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/section-2/): Efforts to Avoid Court Involvement This section of the&nbsp;National Standards&nbsp;discusses key principles and practices that shape how education, social service,&nbsp;community-based, child welfare,&nbsp;runaway&nbsp;and homeless youth, mental health, law enforcement and juvenile justice systems should first respond to youth and families at risk and in need of immediate assistance.&nbsp;They offer guidance to professionals on how to identify the reason(s) the child and family have been referred to them and select and deliver the best early&nbsp;intervention&nbsp;services that will help the child and family avoid court involvement. &nbsp; &#8220;We are especially gratified at the Standards’ attention to keeping status offenders out of formal juvenile [&hellip;]
- [Section 1](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/section-1/): Principles for Responding to Status Offenses This section of the&nbsp;National Standards&nbsp;provides a frame and foundation from which professionals working day-to-day with families and youth alleged to have committed status offenses can operate to achieve positive outcomes for everyone. &nbsp;In doing so, this section highlights 12 key principles to which professionals should adhere to protect youth and family safety, promote family connections and permanence, and ensure youth and family well-being. &nbsp;Collectively and individually, these 12 principles acknowledge and address the individual, familial and&nbsp;community&nbsp;contexts in which status offenses may occur, and underlie all subsequent Standards articulated herein. &#8220;These Standards of Care provide [&hellip;]
- [Curriculum](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/curriculum/): Training Curriculum Materials Introduction This is the introduction for lessons within the &#8220;Improving Responses to Youth Charged with Status Offenses&#8221;&nbsp;training curriculum. Click&nbsp;here&nbsp;to view the introduction in PDF form. Each module in this curriculum includes an instructor’s guide, PowerPoint slides, and handout materials that will allow trainers with basic subject matter expertise to deliver this training to a wide range of audiences.&nbsp;Each section of this curriculum will require the instructor prepare in advance of the training, tailoring the materials to the jurisdiction and to the audience.&nbsp;This will include adding or omitting information based on the target audience’s professional role and level [&hellip;]
- [Executive Board](https://juvjustice.org/about/executive-board/): Executive Board Roles and Responsibilities The Executive Board holds legal, fiduciary, strategic, and policy-setting authority for CJJ and is empowered to take action between meetings of the&nbsp;Council of SAGs. All members are voluntary and serve without remuneration. There is potential for the Executive Board to have as many as 20 members, all of whom serve staggered two-year terms. They are elected or appointed as follows: Executive Board Members Jack Martin Texas National Chair Client Executive, Tyler Technologies Janelle Ridley Massachusettes National Vice Chair/Northeast Regional Chair Director of Programs Roxbury Community College Tracey L. Wells-Huggins New Jersey Immediate Past Chair New [&hellip;]
- [Governmental Agency Members](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/governmental-agency-members/): CJJ Governmental Agency Member Benefits There are many benefits to joining CJJ&#8217;s vast membership. We facilitate the development of leadership for juvenile justice reform for our governmental agency members in the following ways: CJJ Develops Leadership for Juvenile Justice Reform CJJ Represents Leaders on the Federal Level CJJ Enhances Communication Among Juvenile Justice Stakeholders Learn more about CJJ&#8217;s membership and the full benefits of joining CJJ as a Governmental Agency Member.
- [Youth Memberships](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/youth-memberships/): CJJ Youth Member Benefits Youth Members are individuals under the age of 28 There are many benefits to joining CJJ&#8217;s vast membership. We facilitate the development of leadership for juvenile justice reform for our individual members in the following ways: ​CJJ represents our members on the federal level: CJJ also enhances communication among juvenile justice stakeholders: Learn&nbsp;more&nbsp;about CJJ&#8217;s membership and&nbsp;the many benefits of joining CJJ as a&nbsp;Youth Member.
- [Individual Memberships](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/individual-memberships/): CJJ Individual Member Benefits There are many benefits to joining CJJ&#8217;s vast membership. We facilitate the development of leadership for juvenile justice reform for our individual members in the following ways: ​CJJ represents our members on the federal level: CJJ also enhances communication among juvenile justice stakeholders: Learn&nbsp;more&nbsp;about CJJ&#8217;s membership and&nbsp;the many benefits of joining CJJ as an&nbsp;Individual Member.
- [Organizational Memberships](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/organizational-memberships/): CJJ Organizational&nbsp;Member Benefits There are many benefits to joining CJJ&#8217;s vast membership. We facilitate the development of leadership for juvenile justice reform for our Organizational Members in the following ways: CJJ represents our Organizational Members on the federal level: CJJ also enhances communication among juvenile justice stakeholders: Click here to learn more about CJJ&#8217;s membership, the benefits of joining CJJ as an Organizational Member, and the dues pricing structure.
- [Member Engagement](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/member-engagement/): Individual Members All interested individuals—both youth and adults—are invited to join the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) as individual members, either as Members at Large or Student Members. CJJ is a true coalition and proudly represents a diverse body of more than 1,800 members including juvenile justice practitioners, service providers, youth, parents, public officials, concerned citizens, and others. Members are dedicated to creating optimal delinquency prevention programs, policies, and practices. They work to ensure that every court-involved youth is given an opportunity to reclaim his/her life and connect positively with family and community life. An annual Member at Large pays [&hellip;]
- [Past Initiatives](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/past-initiatives/): COVID-19 Statements and Press Releases State Responses to COVID-19 Reentry Planning&nbsp; &nbsp; Conditions &amp; Confinement&nbsp; &nbsp; Crossover Youth Public Safety Performance Project Pew&#8217;s&nbsp;Public Safety Performance Project&nbsp;(PSPP) works with states to advance data-driven, fiscally sound policies and practices in the criminal and juvenile justice systems that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable, and control corrections costs.&nbsp; Below is a sampling of PSPP’s state work and research publications. State Work South DakotaAfter the successful reform of its adult criminal justice system in 2013, South Dakota passed comprehensive juvenile justice legislation that focuses placements in residential facilities on only those youth who pose [&hellip;]
- [Probation Reform](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/probation-reform/): In 2022, CJJ launched a Probation Learning Network, which included State Advisory Group (SAG) members from Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., to explore ways that SAGs can assist with probation reform in their jurisdictions. This network resulted in the release of “Probation Reform: A Toolkit For State Advisory Groups,” funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  To further build on this work, CJJ launched an accompanying training series and in-person learning opportunity at Annie E. Casey’s headquarters in Baltimore, MD. During this training, participants had&nbsp;the chance to set strategic goals for their state [&hellip;]
- [Collaborating for Change](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/collaborating-for-change/): CJJ launched its&nbsp;Collaborating for Change: Addressing the Intersections of Youth Legal System Involvement and Homelessness&nbsp;project in June 2016 with two main goals: (1) to decrease the likelihood that homeless youth become involved with the legal system, and (2) to prevent youth homelessness among system-involved youth.&nbsp; In collaboration with project partners the&nbsp;National Network for Youth&nbsp;(NN4Y)&nbsp;and the&nbsp;National League of Cities&#8217; Institute for Youth, Education, and Families&nbsp;(NLC), the project will generate policy and practice recommendations, training and technical assistance resources, and avenues for greater collaboration across systems.&nbsp; The project is supported by the&nbsp;Raikes Foundation, the&nbsp;Tow Foundation, and the&nbsp;Melville Charitable Trust. Its&nbsp;work&nbsp;is guided by [&hellip;]
- [Youth SAG Members](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/youth-sag-members/): CJJ works to support youth SAG members and help them make their voices heard. CJJ coordinates a monthly phone call to give youth SAG members an opportunity to network, connect, and identify individual and collective successes and barriers unique to young people serving on their respective SAG. If you would like to join this monthly call, please email&nbsp;info@juvjustice.org.&nbsp; In addition, CJJ has developed a short, clear, and easy to navigate&nbsp;Youth Manual offering all of the background and information a young person needs to get involved with and contribute to their SAG. We welcome youth leaders to join CJJ through their [&hellip;]
- [Safety, Opportunity and Success (SOS) Project](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/safety-opportunity-and-success-sos-project/): The CJJ “Safety, Opportunity &amp; Success (SOS): Standards of Care for Non-Delinquent Youth,” (“SOS Project”) is a multi-year partnership that engages State Advisory Group (SAG) members, judicial leaders, practitioners, service providers, policymakers, and&nbsp;advocates. The SOS Project aims to guide states in implementing policy and practices that&nbsp;divert status offenders from the courts to family- and community-based systems of care that more effectively meet their needs. The SOS Project also seeks to&nbsp;eliminate the use of locked confinement for status offenders and other non-delinquent youth. To accomplish this goal, the SOS Project develops tools, resources, and peer leadership to help key stakeholders reform [&hellip;]
- [National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/national-juvenile-justice-and-delinquency-prevention-coalition/)
- [State Advisory Groups](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/state-advisory-groups/): State Advisory Groups (SAGs) were established in the&nbsp;Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). In each state or U.S. territory, a SAG may be known by an alternative title, such as a “commission” or “council.” Under the JJDPA, the Governor or Chief Executive of all states, territories, and the District of Columbia that choose to participate in the Act are required to appoint individuals who are knowledgeable about juvenile justice and delinquency prevention to the SAG. The SAG provides input into their state’s use of JJDPA funds. It is also responsible for supporting compliance with the core requirement of the [&hellip;]
- [CJJ Committees](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/cjj-committees/): Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Committee This committee ensures that the diversity of race, culture, and ethnicity of youth in the juvenile justice system remains foremost in the minds of CJJ members. As a national group, and individually in their own states, members work to develop and implement juvenile justice system reforms that generate policies and services to resolve racial and ethnic disparities&nbsp;in the juvenile justice system. The committee acts as an advisor to CJJ on ethnic and cultural issues. Finance&nbsp;Committee This committee serves as the financial advisor to the&nbsp;Executive Board&nbsp;and the CJJ&nbsp;Council of SAGs&nbsp;in all of the organization’s financial affairs [&hellip;]
- [Previous Policy Priorities](https://juvjustice.org/policy/previous-policy-priorities/): On November 20, 2020, CJJ&#8217;s Council of State Advisory Groups voted on a series of policy platforms that will serve as the organization&#8217;s top policy priorities for the 118th Congress and Biden/Harris Administration.&nbsp; These platforms focused on addressing racism at the front end of the youth justice system through:&nbsp; A policy platform was also approved which&nbsp;called on Congress and the Administration to support states in their continued participation in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;
- [Positive School Climate](https://juvjustice.org/policy/positive-school-climate/): Promoting Positive School Environments In recent years, there has been an unprecedented increase in arrests for minor offenses that occur in schools. In fact, the connection between school discipline and the juvenile courts has become so close that it is coined, the “school-to-prison pipeline.” The widespread implementation of zero tolerance policies have created this pipeline effect and funnel youth out of the school system and into the juvenile justice system. This pipeline impacts youth across lines of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic status, and leads to poor outcomes for schools, communities, and youth, ultimately denying education and [&hellip;]
- [Policy Recommendations](https://juvjustice.org/policy/policy-recommendations/): 2025 CJJ&#8217;s Recommendations to the 119th Congress Our full recommendations are available here.  2023 CJJ&#8217;s Recommendations to the 118th&nbsp;Congress Our full recommendations are available here.  2021 CJJ&#8217;s Recommendations to the Administration Our full recommendations are available here. 
- [Hill Day](https://juvjustice.org/events/hill-day/): Hill Day 2025 On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, CJJ will host its annual Hill Day in Washington, D.C, providing juvenile justice advocates and stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers. Participants will receive day-of training on key policy issues before meeting with members of Congress to discuss priorities such as increased funding for community-based programs and reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). To plan and prepare for your Hill Day visit, check out&nbsp;CJJ&#8217;s Hill Day Planning Guide: See other Hill Day resources below: The Valid Court Order Exception:&nbsp;As initially enacted, the JJDPA included a blanket prohibition [&hellip;]
- [Webinars and Trainings](https://juvjustice.org/events/webinars-and-trainings/): Upcoming Webinars Tailored Solutions: CJJ Consulting Overview Wednesday, January 21st at 2pm (EST) Register here. Join the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) for a webinar introducing our newly expanded fee-for-service consultant offerings and rates. CJJ provides a broad range of supports for State Advisory Groups and Designated State Agency Staff, including training, grant management assistance, role-specific onboarding, data collection guidance, advocacy resources, and consultation on jurisdiction-specific issues. This webinar will walk participants through how CJJ’s services can be tailored to meet your state’s youth justice needs and other upcoming projects and resources like Juvenile Justice Specialist grants management trainings, the Organizational Committee&#8217;s Back-to-Basics series, [&hellip;]
- [Mission](https://juvjustice.org/about/mission/): Vision All children, youth, and families have opportunities to live safe, fulfilling lives in their communities. Commitment Statement As a national membership organization, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) is committed to creating more just and positive&nbsp;outcomes for all youth and children who are involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. The Coalition for Juvenile Justice is a powerful network of members and change agents who embrace the opportunity before us to advance&nbsp;systemic change. For these reasons, CJJ is committed to operationalizing our mission, vision, and values. We know that intention alone will not [&hellip;]
- [Newsletters &amp; Press Releases](https://juvjustice.org/newsletters-press-releases/): The Juvenile Justice Monitor &#8211; Newsletters Each month, the Juvenile Justice Monitor offers state and national juvenile justice news from CJJ. A typical monthly issue includes federal policy updates and alerts, news about CJJ conferences and events, news from the SAGs and SAG regional coalitions, CJJ Board of Directors and committee news,&nbsp;and other events and resources. The Juvenile Justice Monitor is provided by email to subscribers. To subscribe, click&nbsp;here.&nbsp; 2026 December 2026 | November 2026 | October 2026 | September 2026 | August 2026 | July 2026 | June 2026 | May 2026 | April 2026 | March 2026 | [&hellip;]
- [2017 Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2017-annual-conference/): Access, Accountability, &amp; Advocacy: Addressing Educational, Physical, and Mental Health Needs in the Juvenile Justice System This conference is focused on the latest research and developments from a variety of sectors to make sure that children&nbsp;who come into contact with the juvenile justice system, or are at risk of coming into contact with the juvenile justice system, receive quality care. Workshops focused on services that could be provided to youth to lead safe and productive lives.&nbsp;​ Conference Resources:
- [2017 Virtual Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2017-virtual-youth-summit/): Leading the Way: Youth Collaboration in Justice Reform This event, was shaped by our Emerging Leaders Committee, and provided an opportunity for youth to learn more about juvenile justice, and to share ideas for ways we can work together to improve systems across the country. For a full agenda of the day&#8217;s events click here. This virtual gathering enabled young people to gather remotely, regardless of where they may be,and to engage in a conversation and learning experience with their peers. Participants learned&nbsp;from other youth&nbsp;who are already working in thisarea and&nbsp;explored ways young people&nbsp;can collaborate in &#8211;&nbsp;and lead &#8211; juvenile justice reform.
- [2018 Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2018-annual-conference/): At the Intersections: How Federal, State, and Local Partners Can Work Together to Improve Juvenile Justice This conference is focused on the latest research, developments, and challenges facing our field today. Specifically: Conference Resources:&nbsp;
- [2018 Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2018-youth-summit/): Empowering Youth: Resiliency in the Face of Trauma Each year, CJJ&#8217;s&nbsp;Youth Summit brings&nbsp;together young people from across the country who are interested in juvenile justice reform. The Summit aims to cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders by providing them with the tools they need to leverage their lived expertise. Participants will learn the basics of juvenile justice and have the opportunity to delve into more detail about key topics in the field of juvenile justice. Conference Resources: Agenda​ Slides Media Workbook &#8211; Youth First Breaking Down the Walls &#8211; Youth First Ready to Launch toolkit &#8211; Youth First
- [2018 DMC Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2018-dmc-conference/): Claiming The Future: Uniting To End Disparities This year’s conference focused on ways that young people and their communities, as well as law enforcement, court officials, advocacy groups, and State Advisory Groups can work together to combat racial and ethnic disparities (RED). Specifically we addressed the following: Conference Resources Conference program Epigenetics and Primary Care Supporting the Health Care Transition From Adolescence to Adulthood in the Medical Home State of the Art Review: Poverty and the Developing Brain How Does Incarcerating Young People Affect Their Adult Health Outcomes? What are the needs of incarcerated youth? The Impact Center at FPG Child [&hellip;]
- [2019 Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2019-annual-conference/): Bridging the Gap: Improving Outcomes for all Youth To view the&nbsp;agenda click here.&nbsp; Each year, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) hosts a national conference uniquely focused on improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention systems, services, practices, and policies. More than 470 juvenile justice practitioners and advocates from across the U.S. and its territories attended.&nbsp;&nbsp;The full conference took place on June 20-22. In 2019, the conference&nbsp;focused on the latest research, developments, and challenges facing our field today. Specifically:&nbsp; &nbsp;If you have any questions, please contact&nbsp;info@juvjustice.org.&nbsp; CJJ&#8217;s 2019 Annual Awards Ceremony. We honored 2019 awardee&#8217;s on June 20 for their outstanding [&hellip;]
- [2019 Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2019-youth-summit/): Catalysts for Equity and Change&nbsp; Each year, CJJ&#8217;s&nbsp;Youth Summit brings&nbsp;together young people from across the country who are interested in juvenile justice reform. The Summit aims to cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders by providing them with the tools they need to leverage their lived expertise. Participants will learn the basics of juvenile justice and have the opportunity to delve into more detail about key topics in the field of juvenile justice. The Summit&#8217;s theme, agenda, and content are created by the&nbsp;CJJ Emerging Leaders Committee.&nbsp; To view the final agenda, click here.  Conference Resources:
- [2019 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2019-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-conference/): A Time for Action: Combating Racial and Ethnic Disparities through Inclusion, Equity, and Respect To view the agenda, click here. CJJ is committed to bringing together juvenile justice leaders from across the country on an annual basis to identify ways to address and end racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system. These conferences give juvenile justice stakeholders from around the country an opportunity to share strategies and explore solutions to this serious problem. This year’s conference brought together stakeholders working to fight disparities at the local, state, and national levels, as well as the larger juvenile justice community. [&hellip;]
- [2020 Virtual Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2020-virtual-youth-summit/): Executing Our Power Into Action Each year, CJJ&#8217;s Youth Summit brings together young people from across the country who are interested in juvenile justice reform. The Summit aims to cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders by providing them with the tools they need to leverage their lived expertise. Participants will learn the basics of juvenile justice and have the opportunity to delve into more detail about key topics in the field of juvenile justice. The Summit&#8217;s theme, agenda, and content are created by the CJJ Emerging Leaders Committee.  The 2020 Virtual Youth Summit was a&nbsp;four-part weekly webinar series beginning August 19, [&hellip;]
- [2020 Virtual Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2020-virtual-annual-conference/): CJJ&#8217;s 2020 Annual Conference&nbsp;and Council of State Advisory Groups Dreaming Big Together: Youth Justice Reimagined To view the conference agenda, click&nbsp;here.&nbsp;&nbsp; Each year, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) hosts a national conference uniquely focused on improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention systems, services, practices, and policies. More than 400 juvenile justice practitioners and advocates from across the U.S. and its territories are accepted to join together for this unique virtual event.&nbsp;&nbsp; CJJ’s 2020 Annual Conference&nbsp;focused on the latest research, developments, and challenges facing our field today. Specifically, the conference focused on: CJJ&#8217;s 2020&nbsp;Annual Awards Ceremony. We honored 2020&nbsp;awardee&#8217;s on [&hellip;]
- [2021 Virtual Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2021-virtual-annual-conference/): 2021 CJJ Annual Conference and Council of SAGs’ Meeting Creating Healing Systems: Serving Today’s Youth While Transforming the Future This conference is focused on the latest research, developments, and challenges facing our field today. Specifically: To view the agenda of this year&#8217;s conference, click here. All times listed are Eastern. Sessions were recorded and are available to view for up to a year after original broadcast.  We honored 2021 awardees for the Spirit of Youth Award, A.L. Carlisle Child Advocay Award, and Tony Gobar Outstanding Juvenile Justice Specialist Award on June 10th. You can read more about each awardee in our 2021 Annual Awards Luncheon Booklet.
- [2021 Virtual Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2021-virtual-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-conference/): Each year, CJJ hosts a conference focusing specifically on the issue of racial and ethnic disparities in the youth legal system. These conferences give stakeholders from around the country an opportunity to share strategies and explore solutions to this serious problem. This year’s conference will bring together stakeholders working to fight disparities at the local, state, and national levels, as well as the larger juvenile justice community. To view a copy of the agenda click here.  CJJ’s 2021 National Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference focused on ways that young people and their communities, as well as law enforcement, court officials, advocacy groups, [&hellip;]
- [2022 Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2022-annual-conference/): CJJ 2022 Annual Conference, Council of SAGs’ Meeting, and Hill Day Creating a New Normal: Drawing on Lessons From the Pandemic to Comprehensively Address Young People’s Needs To view the conference agenda click here.  Each year, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) hosts a national conference uniquely focused on improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention systems, services, practices, and policies.&nbsp;More than 300 juvenile justice practitioners and advocates from across the U.S. and its territories are accepted to join together for this unique virtual event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This year&#8217;s conference focused on&nbsp;the latest research, developments, and challenges facing our field today. Specifically:&nbsp; Thank you to [&hellip;]
- [2022 Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2022-youth-summit/): From the Past, Here in our Present, Into the Future: Cultivating Youth and Legal System Change CJJ&#8217;s 2002 Youth Summit took place in Tacoma, Washington on Aug. 1-2 at the Hotel Murano. To view a copy of the agenda, click here. To view session slides and materials click here.  Each year, CJJ&#8217;s&nbsp;Youth Summit brings&nbsp;together young people from across the country who are interested in juvenile justice reform. The Summit aims to cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders by providing them with the tools they need to leverage their lived expertise. Participants will learn the basics of juvenile justice and have the opportunity to [&hellip;]
- [2022 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2022-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-conference/): Removing the Blindfold: Investing in Young People, Communities, and Healing. For a copy of the agenda click here. Every year, CJJ hosts a conference focusing specifically on the issue of racial and ethnic disparities (R/ED) in the juvenile justice system. With the help of wonderful presenters, this year&#8217;s R/ED conference was a wonderful success. We anticipated 250 registrants and had 315 attendees for this year&#8217;s conference. A special thank you to our presenters whose hard work and dedication continue to shape the field. Presenters ranged from young people with lived experience to Senators from Kentucky and the changes they have made in [&hellip;]
- [Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act](https://juvjustice.org/policy/juvenile-justice-and-delinquency-prevent-act/): JJDPA Reauthorization Update There is officially a bill to reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). Senate Bill S.2248 is now available for review and represents an important step toward strengthening federal protections and standards for youth in the juvenile justice system. To support engagement and advocacy, CJJ has developed resources to help stakeholders stay informed and take action, including a JJDPRA Summary Brief outlining key provisions of the bill and a JJDPA Reauthorization Social Media Toolkit to amplify shared messages across platforms. History of the JJDPA Established in 1974 and most recently authorized in 2018 with bipartisan [&hellip;]
- [Federal Juvenile Justice Appropriations](https://juvjustice.org/policy/federal-juvenile-justice-appropriations/): Budget Cuts Federal appropriations to states, localities, and tribes for key federal juvenile justice programs have been cut dramatically in the last decade. The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) Title II State Formula Grants Program supports statewide efforts to implement the JJDPA and coordinate efforts for compliance with the core requirements, delinquency prevention, and juvenile justice reform. Over the past decade, Title II has been cut by nearly 15%. The JJDPA Title V Local Delinquency Prevention Grants Program is the only federal program designed to engage law enforcement and community boards in delinquency prevention at the local level [&hellip;]
- [2023 Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2023-annual-conference/): CJJ 2023 Annual Conference, Council of SAGs’ Meeting, and Hill Day Reenvisioning Youth Justice: Treating Young People as Individuals The agenda is available here. To learn about the leaders who were recognized at the awards luncheon, click here.  Each year, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) hosts a national conference&nbsp;focused on improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention systems, services, practices, and policies.&nbsp;More than 500 juvenile justice practitioners and advocates from across the U.S. and its territories joined together for this unique event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The conference&nbsp;focused&nbsp;on&nbsp;the latest research, developments, and challenges facing the juvenile justice&nbsp;field. Specifically:&nbsp; Conference Slides: Hill Day 2023! CJJ and its Government Relations [&hellip;]
- [2023 Youth Summit](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2023-youth-summit/): The 2023 Youth Summit was themed &#8220;Empowering, Enriching, and Inspiring Youth: Making Policy Personal.&#8221; The Youth Summit was held from July 31st through August 1st of 2023 at The University of Tacoma, Washington. The agenda can be found here. Each year CJJ&#8217;s Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) hosts our annual&nbsp;Youth Summit which brings together young people from across the country who are interested in juvenile justice reform. The Summit aims to cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders by providing them with the tools they need to leverage their lived expertise. Participants will learn the basics of juvenile justice and have the opportunity to delve [&hellip;]
- [2023 R/ED Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2023-r-ed-conference/): The 2023 R/ED Conference took place in Lousville, KY, on Oct. 30-31 2023. The theme of the conference was &#8220;Breaking Cycles: Disrupting Systemic Inequalities to Create Lasting Change.&#8221; The event agenda can be found here.  CJJ is committed to bringing together juvenile justice leaders from across the country on an annual basis to identify ways to address and end racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system. These conferences give the youth justice community&nbsp;from around the country an opportunity to share strategies and explore solutions to this serious problem. This year’s conference brought&nbsp;together those who are working to fight disparities at the [&hellip;]
- [2025 Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2025-annual-conference/): Stronger Together: Building Collective Momentum for Youth Justice Each year, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) hosts a national conference that brings together juvenile justice practitioners, advocates, policymakers, and system stakeholders to discuss critical issues, share knowledge, and drive positive change within the juvenile justice system. Last year’s event saw&nbsp;more than 500&nbsp;juvenile justice professionals and advocates from across the U.S. and its territories converge to exchange ideas and solutions. This year, we invite you to join us for our 2025 Annual Conference.&nbsp; As we continue to build upon our 40 years, the conference will center around the power of collective [&hellip;]
- [2024 Annual Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2024-annual-conference/): Each year, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) hosts a national conference&nbsp;focused on improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention systems, services, practices, and policies.&nbsp;Last year, more&nbsp;than 500 juvenile justice practitioners and advocates from across the U.S. and its territories joined together for this unique event.&nbsp;The theme of this year&#8217;s conference is&nbsp;&#8220;CJJ’s 40th Anniversary: Engaging Youth to Turn Passion into Policy.&#8221; This conference&nbsp;will focus on the latest research, developments, and challenges facing our field today. Specifically: CJJ&#8217;s 2024 Youth Summit Each year, CJJ&#8217;s Emerging Leaders Committee holds a Youth Summit, an event designed to bring together passionate young leaders from across [&hellip;]
- [2024 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/2024-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-conference/): The Three A&#8217;s Awareness, Accountability, &amp; Action: Dismantling Disparities in Juvenile Justice The theme of this year&#8217;s&nbsp;conference is&nbsp;&#8220;The Three A&#8217;s Awareness, Accountability, &amp; Action: Dismantling Disparities in Juvenile Justice.&#8221;&nbsp;A draft&nbsp;agenda can be found&nbsp;here.&nbsp; CJJ is committed to bringing together juvenile justice leaders from across the country on an annual basis to identify ways to address and end racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system. These conferences give the youth justice community&nbsp;from around the country an opportunity to share strategies and explore solutions to this serious problem. This year’s conference will bring together those who are working to fight [&hellip;]
- [Conferences](https://juvjustice.org/events/conferences/): 2026 Annual Conference Washington, DC 2025 Youth Justice in Action Conference Minneapolis, MN 2025 Annual Conference Washington, D.C. 2024 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference Seattle, WA. 2024 Annual Conference Washington, D.C. 2023 R/ED Conference Louisville, KY. 2023 Youth Summit Tacoma, WA. 2023 Annual Conference Washington, D.C. 2022 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference Louisville, K.Y. 2022 Youth Summit Tacoma, WA. 2022 Annual Conference Washington, D.C. 2021 Virtual Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference 2021 Virtual Annual Conference 2020 Virtual Annual Conference 2020 Virtual Youth Summit 2019 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conference Scottsdale, AZ. 2019 Youth Summit Tacoma, WA. 2019 Annual Conference Washington, [&hellip;]
- [Awards](https://juvjustice.org/about/awards/): Spirit of Youth Award The Spirit of Youth Award is given annually by CJJ to recognize and celebrate a young adult, under the age of 28, who has made great strides despite involvement with the juvenile justice system, overcome personal obstacles, and is today making significant contributions to society. The Spirit of Youth Award also provides CJJ and the public with an important opportunity to learn from a young person&#8217;s direct experience about the hard work and dedication it takes to build a better life, and how juvenile justice professionals and systems can most effectively be of help. Past winners [&hellip;]
- [Emerging Leaders Committee](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/emerging-leaders-committee/): Emerging Leaders Committee members help to shape the overall program and policy agenda for CJJ and perform several other important duties, including:&nbsp; Emerging Leaders Committee Members develop leadership and advocacy skills and learn about the youth justice system.&nbsp; &nbsp; CJJ&#8217;s 2025 Emerging Leaders Committee Includes: Rebekah Arnold (CO) &#8211; ELC Chair&nbsp; Audi Wodrazka Espinoza (IA) Erin Condon (IL) Chris Ativalu-Ford (WA) Ja&#8217;Miyah Levy (FL)&nbsp; Isaiah Polk (TN) Staphanie Lorenzo (Guam)&nbsp; Nndidi Chiazor (DC) TJ Puller (WA) Annie Li (NY)&nbsp; Kayla Kessler (KS)&nbsp; Elias Henry (MN)&nbsp; Faria Tavacoli (NV)&nbsp; Ron Ackerson (WA) 2025 Youth Summit Presentations Highlights from the 2025&nbsp;Emerging Leaders [&hellip;]
- [Western Region](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/state-advisory-group-members/western-region/): Alaska Juvenile Justice Specialist &#8211; Joshua C. Martinez Alaska Division of Juvenile JusticeP.O. Box 110635Juneau, AK 99811 Phone: (907) 465-2116Email: joshua.martinez2@alaska.gov Compliance Monitor Specialist &#8211; Nichel Saceda-Hurt Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice Phone: (907) 465-2212Email: nichel.saceda-hurt@alaska.gov R/ED Coordinator &#8211; Joshua C Martinez Alaska Division of Juvenile JusticeP.O. Box 110635Juneau, AK 99811 Phone: (907) 465-1389Email: joshua.martinez2@alaska.gov State Advisory Group Chair &#8211; Kimberly Bergey Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Cmte.17777 East Sullivan AvenuePalmer, AK 99645 Phone: (907) 982-9722Email: kimbergey@hotmail.com American Samoa Juvenile Justice Specialist, Compliance Monitor, &amp; Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator &#8211; Valelia Sefo-Vaouli AP Lutali, EOB 3rd FloorPago Pago, AS. 96799 [&hellip;]
- [Southern Region](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/state-advisory-group-members/southern-region/): Alabama Juvenile Justice Specialist &#8211; Buffy Smelley LETS Program ManagerAlabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs401 Adams AvenueMontgomery, AL. 36103 Phone: (334) 353-2554Email: buffy.smelley@adeca.alabama.gov State Advisory Group Chair &#8211; Jason Granholm Executive DirectorMontgomery, AL. Compliance Monitor &#8211; Jennifer Pembrook Adult Facility Compliance Monitor420 20th St. N., Suite 2200Birmingham, AL. 35203 Phone: (256) 283-8021Email: juvenilemonitoring@adeca.alabama.gov Compliance Monitor &#8211; Cynthianther L. May Adult Facility Compliance Monitor420 20th St. N., Suite 2200Birmingham, AL. 35203 Phone: (205) 208-8877Email: juvenilemonitoring@adeca.alabama.gov R/ED Coordinator &#8211; Letta Dillard Gorman 222 Palm Beach Dr.Panama City Beach, FL. 32413 Phone: (334) 258-9148Email: lgorman1109@gmail.com Arkansas Juvenile Justice Specialist &#8211; Ocie Hunter, [&hellip;]
- [Northeast Region](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/state-advisory-group-members/northeast-region/): Connecticut CJJ Northeastern Representative &#8211; Erica Bromley Email: ebromley@ctyouthservices.org Juvenile Justice Specialist. Compliance Monitor, R/ED Coordinator &#8211; Stephanie Russo Lead Planning AnalystOffice of Policy and Management &#8211; CT Phone: (860) 418-6305Email: Stephanie.Russo@ct.gov Delaware Juvenile Justice Specialist &#8211; Monica Celli Criminal Justice Council820 North French Street10th FloorWilmington, DE. 19801 Phone: (302) 577-5023Email: monica.celli@delaware.gov State Advisory Group Chair &#8211; William L. Chapman, Jr. 1313 North Market Street6th FloorWilmington, DE. 19801 Phone: (302) 984-6019Email: wchapman@potteranderson.com Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator and Compliance Monitor &#8211; Dale Dine 820 North French StreetWilmington, DE. 19801 Phone: (302) 577-8696Email: dale.mcdine@delaware.gov Maine Juvenile Justice Specialist &#8211; Linda Barry [&hellip;]
- [Midwest Region](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/state-advisory-group-members/midwest-region/): Illinois Juvenile Justice Specialist &#8211; Orlando Mayorga Email: orlando.mayorga2@illinois.gov State Advisory Group Chair &#8211; Rick Velasquez ChairmanIllinois Juvenile Justice Commission724 Highland AveOak Park, IL. 60304 Phone: (708) 406-2535Email: rickv@yos.org Compliance Monitor Kristen Marshall &amp; Edwin Bowen Email: kristen.marshall@illinois.govEmail: edwin.bowen@illinois.gov Indiana Juvenile Justice Specialist and R/ED Coordinator &#8211; Shelby Price 402 W. Washington St., Room W469Indianapolis, IN. 46204 Phone: (317) 439-6678Email: sprice1@cji.in.gov Compliance Monitor &#8211; Evan Shorter Email: EvShorter@cji.in.gov Iowa Juvenile Justice Specialist &amp; Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator &#8211; Kathy Nesteby Executive Officer,&nbsp;Criminal and Juvenile Justice PlanningDivision of Administration, Bureau of Performance Iowa Department of Health and Human Services321 E [&hellip;]
- [State Advisory Group Members](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/state-advisory-group-members/): State Advisory Groups by Region Click on the a region to view the JJ Specialist, SAG Chair, Racial and Ethnic Disparities&nbsp;Coordinator, and Compliance Monitor for each state or territory.&nbsp; Midwest Region Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin Northeast Region Connecticut | Delaware | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont | Virgin Islands | District of Columbia Southern Region Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | [&hellip;]
- [Contact Us](https://juvjustice.org/contact-us/): Contact Form Email info@juvjustice.org Phone 202-827-9751 Location Coalition for Juvenile Justice1629 K St. NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006-1631 Get Directions News media and communications professionals interested in CJJ&#8217;s positions and spokespersons are encouraged to contact Melissa Milchman, Executive Director, at&nbsp;milchman@juvjustice.org. Would you like to write for our blog?&nbsp;Click&nbsp;here for our guidelines on blog post submission.&nbsp;
- [Memberships](https://juvjustice.org/memberships/): State Advisory Groups State Advisory Groups (SAGs), appointed by Governors and Chief Executives, play a key role in supporting their state&#8217;s progress on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). As vital members of CJJ’s coalition, SAGs help ensure the success of the JJDPA&#8217;s four core requirements. Organizational Members Join CJJ as an Organizational Member and help shape effective delinquency prevention programs, policies, and practices. Whether you&#8217;re a nonprofit, private company, foundation, or government organization, CJJ welcomes all who share this mission. Governmental Agency Members Government agencies, like courts, probation, child-welfare, and education systems, are crucial in supporting youth [&hellip;]
- [Policy](https://juvjustice.org/policy/): CJJ is a member of and works closely in collaboration with the&nbsp;National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition (NJJDPC). The NJJDPC is a collaborative array of youth and family serving, social justice, law enforcement, corrections, and faith-based organizations. The Coalition works to ensure healthy families, build strong communities, and improve public safety by promoting fair and effective policies, practices, and programs for youth involved or at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. CJJ staff serves on the NJJDPC steering committee and co-chairs the coalition&#8217;s&nbsp;Act 4 JJ&nbsp;working group. Current Federal Policy Priorities: Past ​Recommendations to the [&hellip;]
- [Our Work](https://juvjustice.org/our-work/): State Advisory Groups CJJ Committees Emerging Leaders Committee Youth SAG Members Member Engagement Safety, Opportunity and Success (SOS) Project Collaborating for Change Probation Reform Police and Youth Relations The Office of Juvenile Justice and&nbsp;Delinquency Prevention&nbsp;awarded CJJ and IACP&nbsp;a grant to administer the &#8220;Police and Youth Engagement: Supporting the Role of Law Enforcement in Juvenile Justice Reform&#8221; program. We will work with IACP to bring together youth and law enforcement officers for in-person and virtual meetings to discuss best practices and approaches to improving police and youth relations. In addition, we will assist in creating a training curriculum on this subject [&hellip;]
- [Home](https://juvjustice.org/): What We Are Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) is a nationwide network of State Advisory Groups (SAGs) and dedicated allies committed to preventing youth involvement in the justice system, while ensuring the highest standards of care and fairness for those who are charged with wrongdoing. Who We Are CJJ’s membership consists of State Advisory Group members, Organizational Members, Individual Members, and Youth Members. How We Advocate As our members’ national presence, we educate and inform Members of Congress and the Administration on state-identified needs and concerns in the arena of juvenile justice. How We Impact Our members work to improve [&hellip;]
- [Events](https://juvjustice.org/events/): Conferences Webinars and Trainings Hill Day CJJ Video Resources
- [Blog](https://juvjustice.org/blog/)
- [About](https://juvjustice.org/about/): CJJ’s substantive areas of work include: Our Mission Core Principles Awards Executive Board Staff Employment &amp; Internships Partners &amp; Funders 2025 Annual Report


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