OJJDP Priorities
OJJDP's three priorities reflect the Office's guiding philosophy: to enhance the welfare of America’s youth and broaden their opportunities for a better future. To bring these goals to fruition, OJJDP is leading efforts to transform the juvenile justice system into one that will—
The juvenile justice field's decisionmaking must be informed by science and research to ensure young people are adjudicated fairly and given opportunities to learn and recover from youthful mistakes.
Community-based programs that involve families as a critical component enhance youth outcomes, increase public safety, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Juvenile justice practitioners must recognize and address the barriers to success that involvement with the juvenile justice system creates for youth.
The Latest from OJJDP
OJJDP Observes National Missing Children's Day
The U.S. Department of Justice hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 40th annual National Missing Children's Day. View the awardees, the 2023 winning poster and a gallery of the winning state posters.
Now Available: When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide
OJJDP has released the fifth edition of "When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide." This resource aims to help families take necessary steps and contact the right people when their child is missing. The guide was written with contributions from parents of missing children.
OJJDP To Host Webinar on Confronting Anti-Semitism
On June 1, 2023, from 2 to 3:45 p.m. ET, OJJDP will present "Working with Youth and Communities to Increase Awareness and Skills in Confronting Anti-Semitism" as part of OJJDP's Preventing Youth Hate Crimes & Identity-Based Bully Initiative webinar series.
OJJDP Holds Stakeholder Budget Briefing
On May 8, 2023, OJJDP provided a briefing on the FY 2024 President Joseph Biden's budget priorities, with a focus on the U.S. Department of Justice's youth and juvenile justice programs.
May is National Treatment Court Month
OJJDP funds support services and drug courts to help youth and families overcome the effects of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Justice Department Issues Fines and Fees Dear Colleague Letter
A letter released from the Department of Justice describes how the unjust imposition and enforcement of fines and fees violate the civil rights of adults and youth accused of felonies, misdemeanors, quasi-criminal ordinance violations, and civil infractions.
OJJDP News @ a Glance, March/April 2023
The March/April newsletter highlights Second Chance Month, OJJDP support for youth transitioning from incarceration back to their communities, and remarks Administrator Liz Ryan delivered at an event commemorating the imprisonment 92 years ago of the "Scottsboro Boys."
Available Funding Opportunities
View current FY 2023 funding opportunities and related webinars.
Recent News
- USDA Programs Help To Feed Children Facing Food Insecurity
- The Scottsboro Boys: Legacy of Injustice
- Second Chances, First Opportunities
- Celebrating Youth Achievements and Promise During Black History Month
- Real Justice Means Ensuring Opportunities for Justice System-Involved Youth
- Serving Justice-Involved Youth at Home, With Community Support
- Treating Children as Children
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Preventing Youth Hate Crimes & Identity-Based Bullying Initiative
Discover more about OJJDP's Preventing Youth Hate Crimes & Identity-Based Bullying Initiative. This national initiative focuses on prevention and early intervention from a youth-based perspective.