About the Office
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Public Law 93–415, as amended, established the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system.
A component of the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice, OJJDP works to prevent juvenile delinquency, improve the juvenile justice system, and protect children.
OJJDP accomplishes its mission by supporting states, local communities, and tribal jurisdictions in their efforts to develop and implement effective programs for juveniles. The Office strives to strengthen the juvenile justice system's efforts to protect public safety, hold justice-involved youth appropriately accountable, and provide services that address the needs of youth and their families.
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.
Vision Statement
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) envisions a nation where our children are free from crime and violence. If they come into contact with the justice system, the contact should be both just and beneficial to them.
Mission Statement
OJJDP provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization. OJJDP supports the efforts of states, tribes, and communities to develop and implement effective and equitable juvenile justice systems that enhance public safety, ensure youth are held appropriately accountable to both crime victims and communities, and empower youth to live productive, law-abiding lives.
Administrator
Caren Harp was sworn in as Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention on January 19, 2018.
Learn More about Administrator Harp.
Organization Chart
View the complete staff listing.
Learn More
JJDP ACT
Congress enacted the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act (Pub. L. No. 93-415, 42 U.S.C. § 5601 et seq.) in 1974. The JJDP Act established OJJDP to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system.
Learn more about the JJDP Act and the impact it has had on juvenile justice.
Core Requirements
The JJDP Act authorizes OJJDP to provide an annual grant to each state to improve its juvenile justice system and to support juvenile delinquency prevention programs.
In order to receive an award under Title II, Part B, Formula Grant Program, states must satisfy 28 state plan requirements. Within the 28 requirements, 4 are deemed to be "core."
Learn about the core requirements.
JJDP Act Reauthorization 2018
In December 2018, President Trump signed into law the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (JJRA), reauthorizing and substantially amending the JJDP Act of 1974.
Redline Version: JJDP Act As Amended
OJJDP produced the JJRA redline version, which allows users to see and track changes to the JJDP Act implemented by the new law.
Coordinating Council
The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention—an independent body within the executive branch of the federal government—coordinates all federal programs and activities related to juvenile delinquency prevention, the care or detention of unaccompanied juveniles, and missing and exploited children.
Visit the Coordinating Council website.
Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice
OJJDP supports the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice (FACJJ), a consultative body composed of appointed representatives of State Advisory Groups (SAGs) from each state.
Learn more on the FACJJ website.