OJJDP is committed to supporting programs that help keep young people and communities safe. By focusing on data-driven and evidence-informed practices, we have supported states, territories and Tribal nations as they reduce the number of young people who are referred to court and who are put in out of home placement. Through investments in proven strategies like the ones featured on this site, communities have witnessed a nearly 30-year trend of declining youth crime. 

This site provides an overview of the youth justice system, explaining why and how it differs from adult court, and a history of how it has changed over the years. Site resources provide access to the latest data on youth crime and effective strategies that communities have employed to hold young people accountable while advancing community safety.