This is an archive of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP's) electronic newsletter OJJDP News @ a Glance. The information in this archived resource may be outdated and links may no longer function. Visit our website at https://www.ojjdp.gov for current information.
March | April 2013

News From the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice
Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice logo.

On March 4, 2013, the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice (FACJJ) held a Web-facilitated meeting that included updates on OJJDP’s leadership, organization, and budget. Then-Acting Administrator Melodee Hanes said Robert L. Listenbee would assume his position as the new OJJDP Administrator shortly. Previously, Mr. Listenbee was chief of the Defender Association of Philadelphia's Juvenile Unit for 16 years and a trial lawyer with the association for 27 years.

Ms. Hanes also reported that OJJDP is being reorganized to more accurately reflect the Office's primary work: youth development, prevention, and safety; juvenile justice system improvement; state and community development; and research and innovation. The restructuring will also assist the Office in better supporting the field in a time of declining resources. “The reorganization is still a work in progress,” Ms. Hanes said. “We’ll be waiting to announce the final reorganization when the bugs are all worked out. We’re still assessing the placement of grants, agreements, and projects.”

The budget sequestration that went into effect on March 1, 2013, requires that the Office of Justice Programs cut its budget for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2013 by $107 million. However, the cuts will not affect OJJDP’s FY 2012 grants. “We are absolutely committed to protecting the mission of OJJDP, and to mitigating the impact of these cuts on state, local, and tribal areas,” Ms. Hanes said.

Robin Delany-Shabazz, former designated federal official for FACJJ, introduced Kathi Grasso as the new designated federal official. “I am excited by the prospect of supporting the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice in its critical work advising the President, the OJJDP Administrator, and Congress,” said Ms. Grasso. “I recognize that your advice and counsel is invaluable to OJJDP and will inform our policies, programs, and practices.” Ms. Grasso previously served as OJJDP’s Senior Policy and Legal Advisor. Ms. Delany-Shabazz is now Associate Administrator of OJJDP’s State and Community Development Division.

The meeting also featured reports from FACJJ subcommittees on their progress in developing recommendations in four key areas: disproportionate minority contact, school discipline, evidence-based practices, and youth engagement. The recommendations will be presented to the OJJDP Administrator, Congress, and the President later this year.

The committee's meetings are open to the public; anyone may register to attend and observe. Additional information is available on the committee's Web site. Minutes of the March 4 meeting will be posted to the Web site in the coming weeks.

The Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice is a consultative body established by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended (Section 223), and is supported by OJJDP. Composed of members of state advisory groups on juvenile justice, the committee advises the President and Congress on matters related to juvenile justice, evaluates the progress and accomplishments of juvenile justice activities and projects, and advises the OJJDP Administrator on the work of OJJDP.