The OJJDP-supported Coalition for Juvenile Justice annual conference took place on June 14–17, 2017, in Washington, DC. The event brought together juvenile justice leaders and stakeholders from state agencies across the country.

OJJDP Acting Administrator Eileen M. Garry provided a federal policy update. She informed attendees that bipartisan bills to reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act have been introduced in both Houses of Congress and that OJJDP has provided comments on the both bills. She also told the conference attendees that OJJDP is supporting state compliance efforts by issuing clarifying guidance, such as the recently approved partial final rule, which amends OJJDP's Formula Grant program regulations. OJJDP has updated the policy document, Monitoring of State Compliance With the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, to align with the new rule.

Ms. Garry also emphasized OJJDP’s commitment to partnering with states to ensure compliance with the JJDP Act's core requirements and to ensure successful implementation of juvenile justice system improvements. She highlighted OJJDP's partnerships with The Pew Charitable Trusts to help states implement legislative policies and with the Crime and Justice Institute to provide technical assistance to states in support of their system improvement efforts. Ms. Garry held up Utah’s recent passage of House Bill 239 as an example. (Read the article, "OJJDP Welcomes Utah As a Smart on Juvenile Justice Initiative State," in this issue for more information.)

Ms. Garry applauded the attendees for developing partnerships with other state agencies as part of their 3-year plans and encouraged them to seek out additional avenues for collaboration. “We hope you will continue to partner with the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, in addition to building cross-agency relationships in your states, and fostering relationships with philanthropic organizations,” said Ms. Garry. “OJJDP has learned, firsthand, that cultivating relationships and alliances helps leverage and supplement state funds for juvenile justice system improvements and direct services for youth.”

In a session titled, “An Evidence-Based, Treatment-Oriented, and Developmental Approach for Youth With Substance Use Disorders in the Justice System,” OJJDP Research Coordinator Jennifer Tyson shared key findings from OJJDP's initiative to develop and test juvenile drug treatment court guidelines. The goal of the initiative is to promote effective practice and high-quality service delivery for youth with substance use disorders. OJJDP Program Manager Leanetta Jessie moderated the session.

Resources:

Visit the Coalition for Juvenile Justice’s Resource Library.