Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently addressed the National Conference on Youth Justice, marking its first occurrence in 13 years. He expressed gratitude to Liz Ryan and Brent Cohen for their leadership at the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Office of Justice Programs, respectively.
Garland acknowledged the dedication of partners who protect children and advance juvenile justice. "Thank you for traveling from across the country to learn from one another and to allow us to learn from you," he stated. He emphasized appreciation for young leaders involved in planning and participating in the conference.
The Attorney General highlighted efforts to prevent youth crime through community violence intervention strategies, building trust between communities and law enforcement, addressing gang violence, and supporting victims of human trafficking. He stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to legal counsel for youth interacting with the justice system.
Garland noted progress made since the enactment of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act 50 years ago, including a historic drop in homicides last year. Despite these gains, he acknowledged ongoing challenges with certain types of youth crime.
He emphasized that youth crime is preventable through evidence-based approaches involving advocates, policymakers, law enforcement, community leaders, researchers, practitioners, young people, and their families. Garland mentioned OJJDP's Continuum of Care framework as a holistic strategy prioritizing community safety.
The Department of Justice has invested over $1.6 billion in advancing safety and justice for young people over four years. Garland concluded by reaffirming commitment to ensuring every child grows up free from violence and acknowledging public servants' efforts within OJJDP.