OJJDP marks the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act, with the year-long observance "Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating 50 Years of the JJDPA". Throughout 2024, the Office will observe the Act's golden anniversary with several events, culminating with the National Conference on Youth Justice in November.
Signed into law on September 7, 1974, the Act established OJJDP and charged the agency with supporting local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve the justice system. The Act represented the first federal legislation to address youth and unlawful acts in a comprehensive, coordinated way.
The Act authorizes OJJDP to provide funds to states that follow a series of federal protections for youth in the justice system. These "core protections" include deinstitutionalization of status offenders, separation of youth from adults in secure facilities, removal of youth from adult jails and lockups, and addressing disproportionate minority contact within the justice system. In 2018, the Juvenile Justice Reauthorization Act reauthorized and strengthened the original Act.
The focus of the JJDP Act is addressing youth victimization and crime by offering help and requiring accountability. These ideals—help and accountability—are prominently reflected in OJJDP’s three priorities: treating children as children; serving children at home, with their families and in their communities; and opening up opportunities for system-involved youth.
| Liz Ryan Administrator | 2022-Present |
| Chyrl Jones Acting Administrator | 2021-2022 |
| Caren Harp Administrator | 2018-2020 |
| Eileen M. Garry Acting Administrator | 2015-2018 |
| Robert L. Listenbee Administrator | 2013-2015 |
| Melodee Hanes Acting Administrator | 2011-2012 |
| Jeff Slowikowski Acting Administrator | 2009-2010 |
| J. Robert Flores Administrator | April 17, 2002-2008 |
| Terrence S. Donahue Acting Administrator | August 21, 2001-April 17, 2002 |
| John J. Wilson Acting Administrator | February 18, 2000-August 21, 2001 |
| Shay Bilchik Administrator | 1994-2000 |
| Robert W. Sweet Jr. Administrator | 1990-1992 |
| Terrence S. Donahue Acting Administrator | 1989-1990 |
| Vernon L. Speirs Administrator | March 1987-1989 |
| Vernon L. Speirs Acting Administrator | 1986-1987 |
| Alfred S. Regnery Administrator | 1983-May 1986 |
| Charles Lauer Acting Administrator | 1981-1983 |
| Ira M. Schwartz Administrator | 1979-1981 |
| John Rector Administrator | 1977-1979 |
| Milton Luger First presidentially appointed Administrator | 1975-1977 |
JJDPA Legislative Timeline
50 Years of the JJDP Act
This page chronicles legislative changes to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act from its passage in 1974 to its reauthorization in 2018.