CJJ | About Us

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 and Standing
Since 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 is governed by an Executive Board of national and regional officers. All of CJJ’s formal positions on policy and related matters are developed and approved by a super-majority of the CJJ Council of SAGs. The Council comprises the Chairs or Chair-designees of SAGs holding membership in CJJ.

CJJ’s Substantive Areas of Work

Promoting evidence-informed policies and practices in delinquency reduction and prevention.
Educating the public and advising government on urgent state and local issues and needs in federal juvenile justice policy.
Assisting the states (inclusive of states, territories and the District of Columbia to meet the core requirements of the JJDPA.
Instituting juvenile justice system reforms to improve racial/ethnic fairness, as well as accessibility and overall quality of community and court-based policies and practices.
Linking national, state and local advocates and organizations together, across many disciplines and circumstances, to pursue a common mission.