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OJJDP has compiled a toolkit to raise awareness about Youth Justice Action Month 2023. Help us bring attention to youth justice issues, reform, and improving the lives of justice-involved youth!
The theme "Justice Is ____" aims to create a new vision of justice, equity, and opportunity for youth affected by the justice system. The theme invites us to center the voices of impacted youth, families and allies as we reimagine new possibilities for systems of support, healing and restorative justice.
As you create your YJAM 2023 content, we invite you to think about your vision of justice. Use our YJAM sample content below or simply share a post with your vision of true youth justice. Join us in raising awareness on behalf of young people impacted by the justice system.
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.
We've crafted these social media posts so you can easily copy and paste them into your social media calendars. Feel free to edit and/or write your own copy as you see fit. You can also pair your posts with one of our downloadable YJAM 2023 images. Remember to use the hashtags #YJAM2023 #YJAM #JusticeIs #YouthJustice #OJJDP #juvenilejustice when crafting your content.
October is #YouthJusticeActionMonth! Head to @OJPOJJDP’s #YJAM2023 webpage to explore the history of #YJAM, dig into research and resources, and find ways you can get involved: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month
This October, I’m celebrating #YouthJusticeActionMonth with @OJPOJJDP, @CJJ, and @NJJN and learning how I can amplify #YouthVoices. Find out more: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month#YJAM2023 #JusticeIs
To celebrate #YJAM2023, I’m joining #OJJDP, @CJJ, and @NJJN in their efforts to amplify and listen to #YouthVoices. Learn how you can get involved: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month#YJAM2023 #JusticeIs
@OJPOJJDP believes #JusticeIs serving young people in their homes, with their families, in their communities. Learn more about the Office’s priorities and how they align with #YJAM2023: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month
@OJPOJJDP believes #JusticeIs about opening opportunities for youth involved in the #justicesystem. Explore how they’re working to make that a reality and how this priority aligns with #YJAM2023: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/events/youth-justice-action-month
The following images can be incorporated in your social media messages and posts:
October 3, 2023 -2023 Youth Justice Action Month Kickoff Webinar-Administrator Ryan and other presenters highlighted Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), discussed the recently released YJAM toolkit, and provided overviews of Coalition for Juvenile Justice's Emerging Leaders Committee. Watch the Webinar Recording
October 12, 2023 - Justice is Ours: Youth Justice Movement Across the Country!- The National Juvenile Justice Network and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice hosted a virtual discussion to hear movement leaders speak about the actions, campaigns and strategies that are advancing justice for youth and their communities.
October 26, 2023 - YJAM Panel Discussion: Centering Impacted Youth and Families - This panel discussion aimed to empower youth and families to raise their voices on how to improve the juvenile justice system by sharing their experiences and how they were affected. Speakers also recommended ways to effectively communicate and collaborate with policymakers, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. This is an in-person, invite only event.
