Youth Justice Action Month

October is National Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) and stands as one of the key events during the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (OJJDP) year-long observance of the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA): "Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating 50 Years of the JJDPA." 

The focus of the JJDPA is addressing youth victimization and crime by offering help and requiring accountability. These ideals—help and accountability—are prominently reflected in OJJDP's three priorities and its Continuum of Care model. During Youth Justice Action Month, OJJDP joins our partners, the National Youth Justice Network (NYJN) and Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of the justice system on children. President Joseph Biden has issued a proclamation designating October as National Youth Justice Action Month. 

"During National Youth Justice Action Month, we recommit to ensuring that our communities are safe and supportive so that young people thrive. And we recommit to developing a juvenile justice system that reflects our Nation’s most fundamental values of equality, fairness, and opportunity."

—President Joseph Biden

The theme is "YOUth Are Worth It" The YJAM theme gives impacted youth, families and allies an opportunity to collectively imagine new possibilities for systems of support, healing and restorative justice—particularly within local communities around the country.

OJJDP, NYJN and CJJ awarded 77 organizations, representing 40 states, funding awards to support JJDPA awareness and YJAM programming this fall.

YJAM began in 2008 as Youth Justice Awareness Month, when a grieving mother, Tracy McClard, sought meaningful system reform after her teenage son, Jonathan, died by suicide while locked in solitary confinement in an adult jail. Ms. McClard advocated for an end to the prosecution and incarceration of youth in the adult criminal justice system—OJJDP's primary, most pressing goal. In 2016, Youth Justice Awareness Month was renamed Youth Justice Action Month to encourage advocates, legislators, and governments to take concrete actions to show their commitment to youth justice.

OJJDP envisions a juvenile justice system that emphasizes reform, support for youth, and opportunities. It begins with keeping children out of adult criminal court. Youth must never be housed in adult jails and prisons, where they are at heightened risk for suffering assault, sexual abuse, and other crimes. Furthermore, adult facilities do not offer youth age-appropriate care, therapy, and educational and vocational training. Time in an adult facility often leaves youth with lasting trauma.