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Working for Youth Justice and Safety

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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 To Host Virtual Tribal Consultations and Listening Sessions

OJJDP invites Tribal leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and others to participate via webinar in one of three upcoming Tribal consultation meetings and listening sessions. 

September's Today in Juvenile Justice: Administrator Update Is Coming Up

The next call to be held by Administrator Ryan will take place on September 27, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

OJJDP To Host Virtual Symposium in October

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will host its second Youth Hate Crimes and Identity-Based Bullying Prevention Virtual Symposium from October 17-18, 2023.

Available Funding Opportunities

View current FY 2023 funding opportunities and related webinars. 

OJJDP News @ a Glance, July/August 2023

The July/August newsletter highlights the risk formerly detained youth face from gun violence, Administrator Ryan's visit to a North Carolina youth detention facility, a young woman who aspires to become President, and OJJDP programs dedicated to the unique needs of girls. 

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. 

Learn about Funding

Learn about Funding

OJJDP funding programs support state and community efforts to develop effective prevention and intervention programs and to improve juvenile justice systems.
Access Resources

Access Resources

OJJDP produces and sponsors numerous publications and products each year that focus on different aspects of juvenile justice.
Find Programs

Find Programs

OJJDP sponsors programs to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization and improve juvenile justice systems.
Participate in Events

Participate in Events

Learn about upcoming webinars and in-person conferences and training opportunities that support OJJDP's mission.

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.