NCJ Number
241478
Date Published
November 2011
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This is the 2011 Annual Report and Recommendations of the Minnesota Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC), which is responsible for the de-institutionalization of juvenile status offenders, the separation of juvenile offenders from adult offenders, the removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups, and a reduction in disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
JJAC continued to conduct annual inspections of facilities across the State to ensure their compliance with JJAC objectives. JJAC collaborated with the Minnesota Juvenile Officers Association in establishing standardized training for police officers working with juveniles in schools. The JJAC continued funding for reducing the number of African-American and Native-American youth in detention. Minnesota's youth employment and training programs provided opportunities for at-risk youth as well as juvenile offenders to develop skills needed for employment. JJAC will continue to support its many partners who are actively engaged in specific legislation for the protection of juveniles within the juvenile justice system, and it plans to continue funding for prevention programs through community organizations and local jurisdictions. Data are provided on Minnesota youth demographics and involvement in the criminal justice system. Youth of color continue to be overrepresented in the juvenile justice system. Data are presented to show this. JJAC will continue to fund efforts to reduce disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system. It awarded funding to the Minnesota Juvenile Officers Association for the purpose of training juvenile officers in the protections afforded all juveniles, including those of color, in juvenile case processing. Such training should be ongoing until the disproportionate presence of youth of color does not occur within the juvenile justice system. 3 tables and 9 figures