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Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Administrator's Message: Pursuing Racial Equity and Fairness

February 2023
Series
News @ a Glance Videos
Administrator Liz Ryan underscores OJJDP's commitment to pursue racial equity and fairness in the juvenile justice system as the Office celebrates Black History Month. She discusses OJJDP's effort to eliminate racial disparities in the juvenile justice system through its funding priorities and technical assistance provided to states developing plans to increase equity for youth.

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Literature Review: Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Juvenile Justice Processing

Data have shown that youths of color are more likely than white youths to be arrested and subsequently go deeper into the juvenile justice system (e.g., Puzzanchera, 2021; Puzzanchera and Hockenberry, 2013; Sickmund et al., 2021; Sickmund, Sladky, and Kang, 2021). Researchers have examined the contributing factors to these racial and ethnic disparities for decades, often testing hypotheses and theoretical frameworks related to differential offending...

Department of Justice Awards More Than $100 Million To Support Youth

FY21 Funding Awards

The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) announced awards of nearly $103 million to support youth and equity in juvenile justice systems.  

"Reforming our juvenile justice systems, mentoring our youth and helping young people find a path forward to a safe and bright future are central to our mission at the Office of Justice Programs and remain top priorities of this administration,"...

OJJDP Is Taking Action To Achieve an Equitable Juvenile Justice System

By Chyrl Jones, Acting OJJDP Administrator

When President Biden proclaimed October 2021 as National Youth Justice Action Month, he noted that far too many young people have been "sidelined by unnecessary encounters with the justice system." Citing the adverse effects of system involvement, the President called for a national shift from incarceration to prevention.

National Youth Justice Action Month supports intervention and prevention strategies...

October is National Youth Justice Action Month

National Justice Action Month 2021
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On September 30, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden proclaimed October as National Youth Justice Action Month. The observance brings focus to juvenile justice reform and advancing equity and racial justice. The President's Proclamation refers to OJJDP programs that are designed to achieve these goals. Read the President's proclamation.

"During National Youth Justice Action Month, I call upon states and communities to join me in...

Apply Now to Transforming the Youth Justice System Program

The Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR), in partnership with the Center for Children's Law and Policy, is accepting applications for its new program, Transforming the Youth Justice System: Promoting Equity, Community, and Wellbeing for Youth of Color.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities (R/ED)