In a new opinion editorial, OJJDP Administrator Liz Ryan discusses how treating children as children can improve youth outcomes and advance community safety.
Administrator Ryan focuses on the importance of nonpunitive, community-based intervention and evidence-informed approaches to prevent youth from entering or moving deeper into the juvenile justice system.
The Administrator highlights OJJDP's Continuum of Care for Communities framework that takes a holistic approach to youth justice, spanning prevention, intervention, treatment, and reentry strategies.
"By prioritizing community safety and well-being, this framework ensures that interventions are not only cost-effective, both in the short- and long-term, but also rooted in the values and priorities of the communities they serve."
—Liz Ryan
RESOURCES:
- Read OJJDP's Priority 1: Treat Children as Children.
- Follow OJJDP on X formerly known as Twitter and Facebook.