President Biden proclaimed October as National Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), an annual observance to raise awareness about the importance of supporting young people impacted by the justice system. OJJDP, in partnership with the Coalition for Juvenile Justice and the National Youth Justice Network, is sponsoring YJAM. This year's theme is "YOUth Are Worth It!".
"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
Join OJJDP and our partners as we observe YJAM by developing and participating in events that educate the public on how they can support justice system-involved youth and their families throughout October and beyond.
YJAM began in 2008 as Youth Justice Awareness Month when Tracy McClard, a mother in Jackson, MO, began advocating for juvenile justice reform after her 17-year-old son, Jonathan, died by suicide while being held in solitary confinement in an adult jail. Ms. McClard fought to end the incarceration of youth in the adult criminal justice system—a goal OJJDP shares.
RESOURCES:
- Learn about YJAM observance and events.
- Follow OJJDP on X formerly known as Twitter and Facebook.