To continue to provide states with appropriate federal standards and supports for improving juvenile justice and delinquency prevention practices, Congress must pass the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2008 (S. 3155).

Overview

On June 18, 2008, Senators Leahy, Specter and Kohl introduced S. 3155, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2008.  S. 3155 passed the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on July 31.

The Act was last reauthorized in 2002. This bill would improve the Act and provide appropriate funding.

Did you know? On any given day, more than 7,000 children are in adult jails.

Summary of Improvements in S. 3155

        Core Requirements:

Strengthens the Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) core requirement: S. 3155 directs States and localities to implement data-driven approaches to reduce racial and ethnic disparities, set measurable objectives for DMC reduction and publicly report on progress. 

Improves the Jail Removal and Sight and Sound core requirements: To decrease recidivism, assault and suicide, S. 3155 keeps youth awaiting trial out of adult lock-ups under certain circumstances.    

Allows States to continue to place youth convicted in adult court in juvenile facilities: Under current law, States can be penalized for utilizing these more appropriate youth placements.

Strengthens the deinstitutionalization of status offenders core requirement:  Based on recent evidence on child development, S. 3155 directs States to not hold status offenders (i.e., runaways, truants, etc) in secure detention.

       Overall Juvenile Justice System Improvements:

Improves conditions of confinement in juvenile facilities:  S. 3155 calls on States to eliminate the use of dangerous practices and the unreasonable use of restraints and isolation, particularly through the use of alternative behavior management techniques. 

Provides comprehensive services and supports for youth:  S. 3155 promotes alternatives to detention, improves assessments and treatments for mental health and substance abuse, enhances child welfare and juvenile justice systems integration, and improves case management and transitional care for youth upon re-entry.

        Support for States and Funding Levels:

Increases States’ ability to comply with the core requirements:  S. 3155 offers technical assistance to States and authorizes the re-investment of funds due to non-compliance with the core requirements as an “improvement grant” aimed at assisting States to regain compliance. 

Creates incentive grants:  S. 3155 creates a new incentive grant program focused on prevention and intervention programs, workforce development, and the provision of comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services to youth involved in the juvenile justice system. 

Sets more appropriate funding levels:  S. 3155 provides States with the resources to achieve and sustain compliance with the core requirements of the JJDPA and take meaningful steps to improve juvenile justice systems and prevent delinquency and violence.

What You Can Do

Urge your federal Senators and Representative to pass the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2008 (S. 3155).

For More Information 

Action for Children JJDPA Fact Sheet 

Act 4 Juvenile Justice is a nationwide initiative addressing reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.

Coalition for Juvenile Justice seeks to improve the circumstances of vulnerable and troubled children, youth and families involved with the courts and to build safe communities.

National Juvenile Justice Network enhances the ability of statewide juvenile justice coalitions to advocate for fair, equitable and developmentally appropriate adjudication and treatment for all youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is under the U.S. Department of Justice.