OJJDP Priorities
OJJDP's three priorities reflect the Office's guiding philosophy: to enhance the welfare of America’s youth and broaden their opportunities for a better future. To bring these goals to fruition, OJJDP is leading efforts to transform the juvenile justice system into one that will—
The juvenile justice field's decisionmaking must be informed by science and research to ensure young people are adjudicated fairly and given opportunities to learn and recover from youthful mistakes.
Community-based programs that involve families as a critical component enhance youth outcomes, increase public safety, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Juvenile justice practitioners must recognize and address the barriers to success that involvement with the juvenile justice system creates for youth.
The Latest from OJJDP
OJJDP Awards Funding to the Southern University Law Center
OJJDP is awarding $250,000 in funding to the Southern University Law Center to help the Louisiana Juvenile Justice Reform Act Implementation Commission—the JJRAIC—fulfill its charge: strengthening Louisiana's juvenile justice system, protecting the state's youth, and serving all of them equitably.
OJJDP To Host Virtual Symposium in October
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will host its second Youth Hate Crimes and Identity-Based Bullying Prevention Virtual Symposium from October 17-18, 2023.
Available Funding Opportunities
View current FY 2023 funding opportunities and related webinars.
OJJDP News @ a Glance, July/August 2023
The July/August newsletter highlights the risk formerly detained youth face from gun violence, Administrator Ryan's visit to a North Carolina youth detention facility, a young woman who aspires to become President, and OJJDP programs dedicated to the unique needs of girls.
Juvenile Court Statistics, 2020
Juvenile Court Statistics 2020 describes delinquency cases and petitioned status offense cases handled between 2005 and 2020 by U.S. courts with juvenile jurisdiction.
Justice Department Issues Fines and Fees Dear Colleague Letter
A letter released from the Department of Justice describes how the unjust imposition and enforcement of fines and fees violate the civil rights of adults and youth accused of felonies, misdemeanors, quasi-criminal ordinance violations, and civil infractions.
Recent News
- OJJDP in the Field: Utah Program Site Visit
- OJJDP Calls on States to Strengthen Youth Defense Systems
- USDA Programs Help To Feed Children Facing Food Insecurity
- The Scottsboro Boys: Legacy of Injustice
- Second Chances, First Opportunities
- Celebrating Youth Achievements and Promise During Black History Month
- Real Justice Means Ensuring Opportunities for Justice System-Involved Youth
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Preventing Youth Hate Crimes & Identity-Based Bullying Initiative
Discover more about OJJDP's Preventing Youth Hate Crimes & Identity-Based Bullying Initiative. This national initiative focuses on prevention and early intervention from a youth-based perspective.