Members of Congress to Receive Hand Delivered Valentines This Week Urging Them to "Show The Love" and Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
CONTACT:
Aprill O. Turner
Communications and Media Relations Director
Campaign for Youth Justice
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(202) 558-3580
WASHINGTON (February 13, 2018) – Today and tomorrow, the Campaign for Youth Justice and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice will join the Act 4 JJ Coalition to deliver valentines to every member of Congress urging them to show the love and reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). The Happy Valentine's Day message includes chocolate and a reminder to members to continue this important investment in children and families.
The JJDPA is a law that embodies a partnership between the federal government and the U.S. states and localities to protect children in the juvenile justice system, effectively address high-risk and delinquent behavior, and to improve community safety. First signed into law on September 7, 1974 by President Gerald Ford, the bill authorizes funding to states that agree to monitor and comply with four core protections for justice-involved youth. The law was last reauthorized in 2002, making it a decade overdue for reauthorization. For the first time since 2002, two strongly supported bi-partisan bills have passed both chambers of Congress (H.R. 1809 and S. 860). The bills just need minor tweaks to be reconciled, re-passed, and signed into law by the President.
“The importance of the continued federal investment in children and families cannot be overstated,” said Marcy Mistrett, CEO at the Campaign for Youth Justice and Co-chair of the Act4JJ Coalition, “This critical federal-state partnership on juvenile justice reform has helped states reduce our over-reliance on youth incarceration, support children in their homes, and communities, and invest in proven strategies that improve public safety. As a result, youth crime is at its lowest in four decades. This legislation is vital and provides direction and support for state juvenile justice system improvements that help advance public safety."
“The importance of the continued federal investment in children and families cannot be overstated,” said Marcy Mistrett, CEO at the Campaign for Youth Justice and Co-chair of the Act4JJ Coalition, “This critical federal-state partnership on juvenile justice reform has helped states reduce our over-reliance on youth incarceration, support children in their homes, and communities, and invest in proven strategies that improve public safety. As a result, youth crime is at its lowest in four decades. This legislation is vital and provides direction and support for state juvenile justice system improvements that help advance public safety."
"The time is now to reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. This legislation has seen bi-partisan support since its earliest days, and continues to be a measure that brings together people across party lines," said Naomi Smoot, Executive Director of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice and Co-Chair of the Act4JJ Coalition. "Much has been learned since the bill's last reauthorization about what works to help reduce crime and keep kids and communities safe. The updated bills reflect that new knowledge and will help us create better systems for our young people."
Advocates will be delivering valentines to the House Office Buildings on Wednesday, February 13 from 1- 5 p.m., and the will resume delivery to the House Office Buildings on Wednesday, February 14, at 10 a.m., before heading over the Senate Office Buildings. Your coverage is welcome.
About The Campaign for Youth Justice:
The Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ) is a national initiative focused entirely on ending the practice of prosecuting, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under the age of 18 in the adult criminal justice system. For additional information, please visit: http://cfyj.org/.
The Campaign for Youth Justice (CFYJ) is a national initiative focused entirely on ending the practice of prosecuting, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under the age of 18 in the adult criminal justice system. For additional information, please visit: http://cfyj.org/.
About the Coalition for Juvenile Justice:
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. For additional information, please visit: http://www.juvjustice.org/
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. For additional information, please visit: http://www.juvjustice.org/
About Act 4 Juvenile Justice:
Act 4 Juvenile Justice (ACT4JJ) is a campaign of the National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition (NJJDPC), which represents more than 180 national organizations who work on youth development and juvenile justice issues. ACT4JJ is composed of juvenile justice, child welfare and youth development organizations advocating for the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and increased federal funding for juvenile justice programs and services. For additional information, please visit: http://act4jj.org/.
Act 4 Juvenile Justice (ACT4JJ) is a campaign of the National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition (NJJDPC), which represents more than 180 national organizations who work on youth development and juvenile justice issues. ACT4JJ is composed of juvenile justice, child welfare and youth development organizations advocating for the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and increased federal funding for juvenile justice programs and services. For additional information, please visit: http://act4jj.org/.