JJDPA Matters: 40 for 40 Launched!

September 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), the nation's main law governing state juvenile justice systems. Forty years ago, the JJDPA changed the face of youth justice—setting basic standards for state systems and establishing four core protections for young people in the system.

The JJDPA allows states to fund innovations and reforms that keep more kids out of jails and detention facilities and connected to safe, proven supports in their communities. Many states have used the JJDPA to modernize and improve their programs in ways that give kids the supports they need to get their lives back on track while at the same time helping make communities safer.

Throughout the fall, we'll bring you new voices and personal stories about the impact of the JJDPA and ways it can be strengthened and improved—40 stories in all, to celebrate each year of this landmark law.  Watch the clips and learn more about how you can get involved.