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Working for Youth Justice and Safety

Learn more about OJJDP
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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

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OJJDP Calls on States to Strengthen Youth Defense Systems

In Administrator Ryan's latest blog post, she writes about the U.S. Supreme Court and its landmark In re Gault ruling that affirms children's constitutional right to counsel. OJJDP stands behind the establishment of effective youth defense delivery systems. The Office supports training, technical assistance and demonstration grants to catalyze sustainable improvements to youth defense. 

June is Internet Safety Month
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June is Internet Safety Month

OJJDP joins our partners in raising awareness about Internet safety and providing resources to keep youth safe from online exploitation and sextortion. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has released two new resources for victims of sextortion. 

Awardees Honored at National Missing Children's Day Ceremony

The U.S. Department of Justice hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 40th annual National Missing Children's Day. View the awardees, the 2023 winning poster and a gallery of the winning state posters. 

Now Available: When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide

OJJDP has released the fifth edition of "When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide." This resource aims to help families take necessary steps and contact the right people when their child is missing. The guide was written with contributions from parents of missing children.

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. 

OJJDP News @ a Glance, March/April 2023

The March/April newsletter highlights Second Chance Month, OJJDP support for youth transitioning from incarceration back to their communities, and remarks Administrator Liz Ryan delivered at an event commemorating the imprisonment 92 years ago of the "Scottsboro Boys."

Available Funding Opportunities

View current FY 2023 funding opportunities and related webinars. 

Learn about Funding

Learn about Funding

OJJDP funding programs support state and community efforts to develop effective prevention and intervention programs and to improve juvenile justice systems.
Access Resources

Access Resources

OJJDP produces and sponsors numerous publications and products each year that focus on different aspects of juvenile justice.
Find Programs

Find Programs

OJJDP sponsors programs to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization and improve juvenile justice systems.
Participate in Events

Participate in Events

Learn about upcoming webinars and in-person conferences and training opportunities that support OJJDP's mission.

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.