NCJ Number
250455
Date Published
December 2016
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The feature articles address how the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has promoted youth justice and safety in 2016, OJJDP's sponsorship of the Institute for Police-Youth Engagement, the U.S. Justice Department's convening of a Panel on Community-Based Approaches to Juvenile Justice, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's initiative to help bridge gaps between police and youth.
Abstract
"How OJJDP Is Promoting Youth Justice and Safety: 2016 Wrap-Up" reports that in fiscal year 2016, OJJDP awarded just over $283 million in grants to help at-risk youth, protect children, and improve juvenile justice systems nationwide. It presents highlights of how OJJDP's research, programs, and initiatives are making a difference in the lives of youth and their families. "OJJDP Sponsors Institute for Police-Youth Engagement" reports on the first Institute for Police-Youth Engagement, which was held on November15-17, 2016. It explored best practices and innovative approaches for improving interactions between youth and law enforcement officers. Police chiefs from diverse jurisdictions across the Nation met for roundtable discussions on current agency policy and practice in response to youth, opportunities for improvement, and the development of action plans to improve police-youth engagement within individual agencies. "Justice Department Convenes Panel on Community-Based Approaches to Juvenile Justice" reports on the work of a panel of juvenile justice experts and government officials that met on October 21, 2016, to discuss community-based models for reducing recidivism and promoting positive development for justice-involved youth. "Stakeholder Corner: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's Bigs in Blue Initiative Is Helping To Bridge Gaps Between Police and Youth" reports on how the "Bigs in Blue" program is using the power of mentoring to improve relations between police and communities.