April is Second Chance Month

OJJDP Observes Second Chance Month

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) highlights Second Chance Month 2024. 

This year is an important milestone for juvenile justice. Throughout 2024, OJJDP marks the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act with the year-long observance "Looking back, Moving Forward: Celebrating 50 Years of the JJDPA." The landmark Act established OJJDP and charged the agency with supporting local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve the justice system. The Office and the field have made strides in justice improvement, but essential work remains. 

Second Chance Month helps individuals, communities, and agencies across the country to recognize the importance of reentry and their role in supporting the safe and successful reentry of youth. For many youth, a second chance may well be their first real opportunity to flourish. 

OJJDP partners with federal agencies and youth justice leaders to highlight the significant needs of youth reentering their communities and provide resources to help them succeed. 

Each week during April will feature a new Second Chance Month podcast episode. Additional resources are being developed. Details are forthcoming.