About the Office
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Public Law 93–415, as amended, established the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve juvenile justice systems.
A component of the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice, OJJDP works to prevent and respond to youth delinquency and protect children.
Through its divisions, OJJDP sponsors research, program, and training initiatives; develops priorities and goals and sets policies to guide federal juvenile justice issues; disseminates information about juvenile justice issues; and awards funds to states to support local programming.
Vision Statement
OJJDP envisions a nation where all children are free from crime and violence. Youth contact with the justice system should be rare, fair, and beneficial.
Mission Statement
OJJDP provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to youth delinquency and victimization. The Office helps states, localities, and Tribes develop effective and equitable juvenile justice systems that create safer communities and empower youth to lead productive lives.
Administrator
On May 16, 2022, Liz Ryan became Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Learn more about Administrator Ryan.
Organization Chart
View the complete staff listing.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act
Congress enacted the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act (Pub. L. No. 93-415, 42 U.S.C. § 5601 et seq.) in 1974. The JJDP Act established OJJDP to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve juvenile justice systems.
Learn more about the JJDP Act and the impact it has had on juvenile justice. View a map of the establishment of juvenile courts in the U.S. and a timeline of Historic Cases in Youth Justice.
JJDP Act Reauthorization 2018
In December 2018, President Trump signed into law the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (JJRA), reauthorizing and substantially amending the JJDP Act of 1974.
Redline Version: JJDP Act As Amended
OJJDP produced the JJRA redline version, which allows users to see and track changes to the JJDP Act implemented by the new law.
Core Requirements
The JJDP Act authorizes OJJDP to provide an annual grant to each state to improve its juvenile justice system and to support juvenile delinquency prevention programs.
In order to receive an award under Title II, Part B, Formula Grant Program, states must satisfy 28 state plan requirements. Within the 28 requirements, 4 are deemed to be "core."
Councils and Committees
Coordinating Council
The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention—an independent body within the executive branch of the federal government—coordinates all federal programs and activities related to juvenile delinquency prevention, the care or detention of unaccompanied juveniles, and missing and exploited children.
Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice
OJJDP supports the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice (FACJJ), a consultative body composed of appointed representatives of State Advisory Groups (SAGs) from each state.