| Foreword
Since its establishment in 1974, the Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), a component of the U.S. Department
of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, has provided national leadership,
coordination, and resources to assist states and communities in combating
juvenile delinquency and child victimization. The nature and extent
of the problems confronting youth, and our knowledge of these problems,
are constantly changing, and the urgent demands of other pressing national
issues present special challenges. Accordingly, OJJDP takes these evolving
circumstances into account in setting The activities highlighted in this Report reflect OJJDP's priorities for fiscal year 2002. A major focus was to ensure that serious and violent juvenile offenders have the opportunity to reenter their communities successfully on release from correctional facilities. Other priorities included streamlining the dissemination of information and reaching out to faith-based organizations. OJJDP also worked extensively on child victimization issues, youth gang initiatives, and tribal youth programs. These and other activities described in OJJDP Annual Report 2002 illustrate the Office's continuing commitment to preventing and reducing delinquency, strengthening the juvenile justice system, and protecting children against abuse and exploitation. Together with its federal, state, and local partners, OJJDP is working for the day when every American child will have the opportunity to live and learn in a safe and nurturing environment. J. Robert Flores |