The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP) Tribal Youth Programs and Services help tribal communities prevent victimization and juvenile delinquency, reduce violent crime, and improve tribal juvenile justice systems.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention within the U.S. Department of Justice administers the Tribal Youth Program (PA 9) and the Tribal Juvenile Healing to Wellness (PA 8) grants, both of which support tribal efforts to improve juvenile justice systems for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth. All federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for these grants.
To date, numerous Tribes and Tribal grantees from across the nation have received critical funding through these programs through annual congressional appropriation. OJJDP offers all grantees and Tribes training and technical assistance (T/TA) to facilitate program planning, enhancement, implementation, and evaluation around juvenile justice services.
For questions about OJJDP tribal youth initiatives, contact the OJJDP Tribal Team lead: Kara McDonagh
OJJDP Tribal Youth Programs and Services
About the Office
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Public Law 93–415, as amended, established the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system.
A component of the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice, OJJDP works to prevent juvenile delinquency, improve the juvenile justice system, and protect children. OJJDP accomplishes its mission by supporting states, local communities, and tribal jurisdictions in their efforts to develop and implement effective programs for juveniles. The Office strives to strengthen the juvenile justice system’s efforts to protect public safety, hold justice-involved youth appropriately accountable, and provide services that address the needs of youth and their families.
Through its divisions, OJJDP sponsors research, program, and training initiatives; develops priorities and goals and sets policies to guide federal juvenile justice issues; disseminates information about juvenile justice issues; and awards funds to states to support local programming.
OJJDP Vision Statement
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) envisions a nation where our children are free from crime and violence. If they come into contact with the justice system, the contact should be both just and beneficial to them.
OJJDP Mission Statement
OJJDP provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization. OJJDP supports the efforts of states, tribes, and communities to develop and implement effective and equitable juvenile justice systems that enhance public safety, ensure youth are held appropriately accountable to both crime victims and communities, and empower youth to live productive, law-abiding lives.
Acting OJJDP Administrator
On January 20, 2021, Chyrl Jones was named Acting Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
