PHR Action Center
Ask Congress to Protect Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
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| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to respectfully urge you make sure the Senate Judiciary Committee recommends the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) on Thursday, July 17, 2008. 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.
The JJDPA has provided states and localities with federal standards, funding and support for improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention practices and contributed to safeguards for youth, families and communities for more than 30 years.
The 2008 reauthorization will enhance the core requirements, which include:
- Deinstitutionalization of status offenders
- Removal of youth from adult jails and prisons
- Sight and sound separation from adults
- Disproportionate minority contact
The 2008 reauthorization will also expand juvenile justice systems improvement, support and funding.
The juvenile justice system is based on the premise that investing in youth today can benefit all of society tomorrow. Reauthorizing the JJDPA in 2008 will help uphold our commitment to rehabilitation by creating conditions in which youth can thrive.
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Campaign Launched:
August 29, 2007
| Background Information |
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), originally created in 1974 and most recently reauthorized in 2002 with bipartisan support, provides direct funding, research, training, technical assistance and evaluation to those states which comply with the core requirements:
- Deinstitutionalization of status offenders
- Removal of youth from adult jails
- "Sight and sound" separation between youth and adult detainees
- Reduced disproportionate minority contact
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is charged with supporting and overseeing compliance among the states. State Advisory Groups (SAGs) collaborate with the federal agency as they guide the development, implementation and funding of the State Plans. Four main funding streams support the state-federal partnerships under the JJDPA, all of which have decreased significantly since 2002.
As Congress considers reauthorization of the JJDPA in 2008, testimony from health professionals will be key in highlighting the needs of youth through a medical and scientific lens.
At the Coalition for Juvenile Justice’s Summit on the Reauthorization of JJDPA in June 2007, Dr. Alan Ravitz explained how emerging research on adolescent brain development must be considered in the reauthorization of the JJDPA. Studies reveal that adolescent brains are continuing to develop, particularly in the areas that regulate judgment and decision-making.
Michelle Ayesh, PHR’s Health and Justice for Youth Campaign Coordinator, discussed the implications of brain development in the decision of the US Supreme Court to abolish the death penalty for youth under age 18 (Roper v. Simmons, 2005.) Given the biological and psychosocial differences between adolescents and adults, it is imperative that the JJDPA extend its federal protections to all youth under age 18, regardless of whether they are in the juvenile or adult system.
The Act 4 Juvenile Justice Campaign provides relevant and up-to-date information as Congress considers the reauthorization and reform of the JJDPA. To read their Statement of Principles, visit www.act4jj.org.
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