In this issue of OJJDP News @ a Glance, OJJDP Administer Liz Ryan discusses OJJDP’s commitment to addressing the issue of gun violence among youth released from the juvenile justice system and in need of support to avoid gun violence and gang involvement.
This issue's Message from the Administrator focuses on the heightened risk formerly detained youth face from gun violence and the need to provide comprehensive support to young people returning to their communities after they are released. The top story highlights Administrator Ryan's site visit to a youth detention facility in North Carolina to learn about an OJJDP-supported reentry program. Youth Voices chronicles the life of a young woman who has learned to advocate for herself and other justice-involved youth. Additional stories feature OJJDP programs dedicated to addressing the complex needs of girls in the juvenile justice system and a Pennsylvania Department of Corrections project allowing incarcerated parents at four state correctional facilities to share virtual reality "adventures" with their children. Another story spotlights OJJDP Program Manager Alex Sarrano, who manages the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force program.