OJJDP has compiled a toolkit to raise awareness about Youth Justice Action Month 2024. Help us bring attention to youth justice issues, reform, and improving the lives of justice-involved youth!
October is Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), spearheaded by the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) and the National Youth Justice Network (NYJN) and supported by OJJDP has compiled a toolkit to raise awareness about Youth Justice Action Month 2024. Help us bring attention to youth justice issues, reform, and improving the lives of justice-involved youth and their families!
The theme "YOUth Are Worth It" encourages us to continue to invest in and center the voices of impacted youth, families and allies as we reimagine new possibilities for systems of support, healing and restorative justice.
Throughout October, we invite you to use our sample social media content – or draft your own – to help us raise awareness on behalf of young people impacted by the justice system.
Spread the Word
#YJAM2024 | #YJAM | #YOUthAreWorthIt | #YouthJustice
1. Access to Justice Spotlight: Fines & Fees
PDF
2. Beyond the Box: How To Uplift Emerging Leaders
Abstract page | PDF
3. Common Problems, Common Solutions: Looking Across Sectors at Strategies for Supporting Rural Youth and Families Tool-Kit
PDF
4. Continuum of Care for Communities
Abstract page | PDF
5. Education And Youth Justice System Involvement: Promoting High-Quality Education In Youth Justice Systems
Abstract page | PDF
6. Expunging Juvenile Records: Misconceptions, Collateral Consequences, and Emerging Practices
Abstract page | PDF
7. Game Plan for Engaging Youth
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8. The Importance of Judges Knowing a Youth's LGBTQ2S+ Identity and the Outcomes of LGBTQ2S+ Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
Abstract page | PDF
9. In Focus: Improving Youth Defense
Abstract page | PDF
10. In Focus: Youth Reentry and Family Engagement
Abstract page | PDF
11. Juvenile Court Statistics, 2021
Abstract page | PDF
12. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act 50th Anniversary Virtual Library
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13. Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Age Boundaries of the Juvenile Justice System
Abstract page | HTML
14. Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Alternatives to Detention and Confinement
Abstract page | HTML
15. Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Girls in the Juvenile Justice System
Abstract page | HTML
16. Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Intersection of Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Systems
Abstract page | HTML
17. Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Juvenile Justice Processing
Abstract page | HTML
18. Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System
Abstract page | PDF
19. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Processing of Delinquency Cases
Abstract page | PDF
20. Reintegration With Resilience: Helping LGBTQ+ Youth Thrive After Confinement
Abstract page | PDF
21. Reintegration With Resilience: Supporting Mental and Behavioral Health for Youth Leaving Confinement
Abstract page | PDF
22. Reintegration with Resilience: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Juvenile Records
Abstract page | PDF
23. Restorative Justice Practices and Credible Messengers: Promising, Innovative Approaches for Improving Outcomes for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
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24. Supporting LGBTQ2S+ Families Tip Sheet
Abstract page | PDF
25. The Role of Family Engagement in Creating Trauma-Informed Juvenile Justice Systems
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26. Workforce Development Guide for Opportunity Youth
Abstract page | PDF
27. Youth and the Juvenile Justice System: 2022 National Report
Abstract page | PDF
28. Youth Engagement at the Federal Level: A Compilation of Strategies and Practices
PDF
The following key messages provide a foundation that can be used to amplify issues on youth and juvenile justice.
Treat Children as Children
- The juvenile justice’s field 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.
Commitment to Racial Equity and Fairness
- Funneling youth into the adult system exacerbates racial disparities.
- Studies show that youth of color are more likely than white youth to be prosecuted in adult criminal court and placed in adult jails and prisons, even when charged with similar offenses.
Open Up Opportunities for System-Involved Youth
- When youth become involved with the juvenile justice system, they typically face repercussions that extend beyond the immediate consequences.
Center Impacted Youth and Families
- Youth and family members with lived experience are vital resources for understanding and reaching young people involved or at risk of involvement in the justice system.
Serve Children At Home, With Their Families, in Their Communities
- Community-based programs that involve families as a critical component enhance youth outcomes, increase public safety, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Continuum of Care for Communities
The Continuum of Care for Communities framework centers around the needs of youth, families, and communities. It describes a framework for youth justice services—and the dynamic and evolving nature of youth involvement in this continuum. View the Continuum of Care Chart
The following sample social media posts can be copied and pasted directly into your social media calendars – or feel free to edit and/or write your own content. You’re also welcome to pair your post(s) with one of our downloadable YJAM 2024 graphics. Remember to use the hashtags #YJAM2024, #YJAM, #YOUthAreWorthit, and #YouthJustice.
- This October, I’m joining @OJPOJJDP, @4juvjustice and @WeAreNYJN for #YouthJusticeActionMonth! Learn about #YJAM2024 and explore ways you amplify the message that #YOUthAreWorthIt! https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month
- October is #YouthJusticeActionMonth! Head to @OJPOJJDP’s #YJAM2024 webpage to explore the history of #YJAM, dig into research, access #YouthJustice resources, and find ways to get involved: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month #YOUthAreWorthIt
- Did you know that October is #YouthJusticeActionMonth? Learn how you can use your voice to elevate and advocate for #JYouthJusticeReform and elevate the message that all #YOUthAreWorthIt! https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month #YJAM2024
- This October, I’m celebrating #YouthJusticeActionMonth with @OJPOJJDP, @CJJ, and @NJJN and learning how I can amplify #YouthVoices. Find out more and join in: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month #YJAM2024
- To celebrate #YJAM2024, I’m joining #OJJDP, @4juvjustice and @WeAreNYJN in their efforts to listen to youth impacted by the justice system. Learn more about #YJAM how you can get involved: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month #YOUthAreWorthIt
- @OJPOJJDP believes #YOUthAreWorthIt! Learn more about OJJDP’s priorities and the ways they're observing #YJAM2024: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month
The following animated images can be incorporated in your social media messages, posts and web pages:
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The following images can be incorporated in your social media messages and posts:
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This video can be shared on social media to help raise awareness for Youth Justice Action Month:
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