Vision
The Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) envisions a nation where fewer children are at risk of delinquency and if they are at risk or involved with the justice system, they and their families receive every possible opportunity to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Mission
CJJ is a nationwide coalition of State Advisory Groups (SAGs) and allies dedicated to preventing children and youth from becoming involved in the courts and upholding the highest standards of care when youth are charged with wrongdoing and enter the justice system.
History
Since its inception in 1984, CJJ has supported a broad and active coalition across all 56 U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia, as the nonprofit association of Governor-appointed SAG members operating under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), along with allied staff, individuals, and organizations. CJJ members include concerned individuals, practitioners, advocates, and youth who voluntarily serve at the state and national levels. CJJ serves and supports SAGs that are principally responsible for monitoring and supporting their state’s progress in addressing the four core requirements of the JJDPA:
- Deinstitutionalizing status offenders;
- Ensuring that youth are not detained or confined in any institution where they may have contact with adult inmates. This is known as sight and sound separation;
- Removing youth from adult jails and lockups; and
- Reducing racial and ethnic disparities within the juvenile justice system.