America’s communities have worked hard to reduce juvenile crime and violence, and research findings attest to the positive results of their labors. Arrests for violent offenses committed by juveniles, which peaked in 1994, have declined dramatically in recent years. During 2000— the most recent year for which juvenile arrest statistics are available—the juvenile arrest rate for violent offenses dropped for the sixth consecutive year to its lowest level in 14 years.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) is committed to combating violent juvenile crime, reducing delinquency, strengthening the juvenile justice system, and enhancing public safety. The activities described in OJJDP Annual Report 2001 reflect that commitment. During fiscal year 2001, OJJDP supported a cycle of activities—research and statistics; program testing, development, and replication; training and technical assistance; and information dissemination—that enabled practitioners and policymakers to better serve their states and communities.

Those activities are described herein in the hope that they may assist those working on behalf of America’s children and their families.