More than 2,500 attendees united at OJJDP's 2024 National Conference on Youth Justice November 19–21, in Washington, DC. The conference, cosponsored by the federal Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, brought together young people, families, youth justice practitioners, community leaders, educators, OJJDP grantees, and policymakers to discuss transforming juvenile justice. The conference was the capstone of OJJDP's yearlong 50th anniversary celebration of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
Recognized as critical stakeholders, the conference featured youth leaders and young people sharing lived experiences and leading panel discussions and workshops on challenges that directly affect young peoples' lives. OJJDP's Continuum of Care framework was integral to the agenda, which included more than 90 sessions and 3 plenary sessions aimed at "Shaping the Next 50 Years."
OJJDP Administrator Liz Ryan provided opening remarks to kick off the conference. “Think about what you want to learn, what you want to contribute, who you want to connect with, who you want to inspire and be inspired by, and most of all, what you want to share with your colleagues back home,” said Ryan.
In his closing remarks, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland specifically recognized the young people who helped shape the event and provided their perspectives throughout all three days. "You are leaders and role models in your communities, and we are so impressed by you," he said. "Thank you for the extraordinary work you do to advance a better future for our young people."
RESOURCES:
- Read OJJDP’s new “Partnering With Youth and Families: A Best Practices Guide for Youth Justice Stakeholders.”
- Visit OJJDP’s Youth Crime webpage.
- Follow OJJDP on X formerly known as Twitter and Facebook.