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Juveniles made up less than 17 percent of all criminal arrests in 2002 - a decline of 3 percent from the previous year. Most children in the juvenile justice system are not violent offenders and are struggling with educational, emotional, or economic hardships that are often beyond their control.
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) was reauthorized in November 2002. The new legislation helps protect young people in the juvenile justice system from abuse and assault in adult jails. The bill authorizes funding to states to prevent and treat juvenile offenders and to take steps to intervene early. The bill authorizes money to local communities to help reduce juvenile delinquency and to rehabilitate youths who have been in the system.
Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Children's Defense Fund
Child Welfare League of America
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids
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