The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Turns 50: Celebrating Five Decades of Hope and Progress
Washington, D.C. – The Department of Justice marked the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and is celebrating this milestone as a powerful reminder of the difference that federal leadership and resources can make to advance justice, safety, equity and opportunity for all children.
Passed on September 7, 1974, this landmark legislation set federal standards for the safe and equitable treatment of young people who encounter the juvenile justice system and established the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, now within the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, to provide national leadership, resources and funding to states, local jurisdictions and federally recognized Tribes to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency.
“For the last 50 years, the JJDPA has been the benchmark for juvenile justice reform, guiding states across the nation and championing investments in best practices that are grounded in research on adolescent development and more effectively reduce delinquency and advance community safety,” said OJP Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent J. Cohen. “As we move forward, let us build on this legacy with renewed dedication to ensuring that communities have the resources and tools to nurture the full potential of our children.”
The JJDPA helped to fundamentally change the way this country views juvenile justice and opened the door to major developments that have benefitted both youth and their communities, making both safer Collaboration has become essential between law enforcement, social services, education systems and community organizations. Community-based programs and evidence-based and promising interventions now play a crucial role in preventing delinquency and supporting at-risk youth.
“This singular action by Congress changed how we treat children—based on support and accountability—and laid the groundwork for OJJDP’s three priorities: treating children as children; serving children at home, with their families and in their communities whenever possible and consistent with public safety; and opening up opportunities for youth involved in the juvenile justice system,” said OJJDP Administrator Liz Ryan. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the JJDPA, we remain committed to partnering with directly impacted youth and their families and to promoting racial equity and fairness.”
The JJDPA has received broad bipartisan support throughout its history. The original act has been reauthorized over the years with major changes occurring in 2018 with the Juvenile Justice Reauthorization Act. This timeline chronicles the legislative changes to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act from its passage in 1974 to its last reauthorization in 2018.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Signed into law on September 7, 1974, the act established OJJDP to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve juvenile justice systems. Through its divisions, OJJDP sponsors research, program and training initiatives; develops priorities and goals and sets policies to guide federal juvenile justice issues; disseminates information about juvenile justice issues; and awards funds to states to support local programming.
###
OFFICE: ojjdp.ojp.gov
CONTACT: OJP Media at ojpmedia@usdoj.gov