PHR CAMPAIGNS

PHR Action Center

Ask Congress to Protect Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Act in 2007

The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) was first passed in 1974 and most recently reauthorized in 2002, with bipartisan support, to address the complex needs of youth in the juvenile justice system--through direct funding, research, training, technical assistance and evaluation.

The JJDPA needs to be reauthorized this year to ensure that core protections for youth in the juvenile system continue.

Please urge Congress to protect the health and well-being of youth in the juvenile justice system by reauthorizing the JJDPA with full funding this year.

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Send this message to:

Your Congressperson
Your Senators

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to respectfully urge you make sure the House Education and Labor Committee  and the Senate Judiciary Committee  recommend the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). Please do everything you can to ensure that a fully funded version of the Act comes to a vote in Congress and passes, maintaining the core protections afforded to youth in the justice system.

Youth in the juvenile justice system are some of the most vulnerable and marginalized in society.  Overwhelmingly, these kids grow up in poverty, suffer childhood abuse or violence, or struggle with mental health disorders.  It is essential they receive sufficient services to address their complex needs.  Therefore, with reauthorization of the JJDPA, I ask that you support the following recommendations:

* Strengthen the core requirements of the JJDPA and extend protections to all youth in the justice system, including those in the adult criminal justice system. These are:
 - Deinstitutionalization of status offenders
 - Removal of youth from adult jails
 - "Sight and sound" separation between youth and adult detainees
 - Reduced disproportionate minority contact

* Restore funding for juvenile justice programs to FY 2002 levels so that partnerships between the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and state and local governments are able to effectively implement and comply with the core requirements.

The juvenile justice system is based on the premise that investing in youth today can benefit all of society tomorrow.  Reauthorizing the JJDPA in 2007 will help uphold our commitment to rehabilitation by creating conditions in which youth can thrive.

I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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PHR CAMPAIGNS

PHR Action Center

Ask Congress to Protect Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in 2007

Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Act in 2007