Federal Coalitions
CFYJ was a leader in federal advocacy for youth justice reform. Wins included a reauthorized JJDPA (2018), the inclusion of the Youthful Inmate Standard in PREA, and increased federal funding for youth justice. See below for ways to remain engaged in federal advocacy.
Act 4 JJ
The Act 4 Juvenile Justice campaign is being led by the Coalition for Juvenile Justice. The Act 4 Juvenile Justice campaign works to reauthorize the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). Since 1974, the JJDPA has provided direction and support for juvenile justice system improvements and has significantly contributed to the reduction of juvenile crime and delinquency. The JJDPA sets out federal standards for the custody and care of youth in the juvenile justice system. For additional information or to become a member of the campaign, visit www.act4jj.org.
The JJDPA Matters Action Center has opportunities to TAKE ACTION on the reauthorization of the JJDPA.
NJJDPC
The national Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition (NJJDPC) is a collaborative array of youth- and family- serving, social justice, law enforcement, corrections, and faith-based organizations, working to ensure healthy families, build strong communities and improve public safety by promoting fair and effective policies, practices and programs for youth involved or at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. NJJDPC issues recommendations for each new Congress and Administration, and monitors for other federal opportunities to improve youth justice at the federal level. For additional information, visit www.promotesafecommunities.org.
NJJDPC Recommendations to the Biden-Harris Administration.
PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal statute focused on sexual assault and victimization in juvenile facilities, prisons, jail, lockups, and other detention facilities. The goal of PREA is to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse in detention and correctional facilities. PREA standards must be fully implemented by sunset of 2021, or states will lose some of their federal funding for justice reform.