This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), a transformative law that has shaped the future of youth justice in the United States. Since 1974, the JJDPA has worked to ensure fair treatment for young people, reduce unnecessary incarceration, respond to practices driving racial and ethnic disparities, and promote opportunities for positive youth development.
To honor this milestone, the Justice Policy Institute is proud to present a series of infographics highlighting the key achievements and evolution of the JJDPA over the past five decades. These infographics provide an accessible look at the impact of the JJDPA and its continued importance for youth justice reform. In addition, we highlight over 20 years of groundbreaking advocacy and research by JPI aimed at improving the youth justice system.
Between September and November, we will release six infographics, each focusing on critical aspects of the JJDPA, including:
- Historical Context and the 4 Core Requirements
- Timeline of the JJDPA & JPI’s Contributions to Youth Justice
- State-by-State Impacts
- Adolescent Brain Development and Justice
- The Impact of Youth Solitary Confinement
- Looking Ahead: The Future of the JJDPA
Explore these infographics to learn more about how the JJDPA has shaped a fairer, more just system for young people. Be sure to share them with your networks as we celebrate this historic milestone!
Historical Context and the 4 Core Requirements
Timelines
Download JJDPA Timeline Infographic
Download JPI Timeline Infographic
The Justice Policy Institute gratefully acknowledges the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, for allowing us to reproduce, in part or in whole, the JDPA 50th Anniversary Artwork. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in these infographics are those of JPI and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.