About the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee
The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC) provides leadership and support in setting a vision for juvenile justice in Minnesota that is informed by evidence-based practices, multi-disciplinary experience and the diverse communities of Minnesota.
- Advising the Governor and Legislature about issues, trends and practices related to Minnesota’s juvenile justice system.
- Developing a strategic three-rear plan for allocating resources to meet emerging needs of Minnesota youth.
- Promoting best practices in juvenile justice programming.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
JJAC is responsible for Minnesota’s compliance with the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA).
Four core requirements of the JJDPA protect youth involved in the juvenile justice system:
- De-institutionalization of status offenders
- Juveniles charged with status offenses must not be placed in secure detention. A status offense is an offense that would not be deemed criminal if committed by an adult (such as truancy, running away, tobacco and alcohol use).
- Sight and sound separation of juvenile and adult offenders
- States must ensure juveniles charged with a delinquent offense who are detained or confined in an adult jail or lockup do not have verbal or visual contact with adult offenders.
- Removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups
- States must ensure no juvenile shall be detained or confined in a jail or lockup intended for adult offenders beyond specified time limits. These are six hours in Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) counties and 24 hours in all other counties.
- Ethnic and racial disparities contact
- States are required to put forth efforts to reduce the proportion of youth of color at all points along the juvenile justice system.
About the committee
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) serves as Designated State Agency for JJAC.
JJAC members are appointed by the Governor's Office and composed of representatives from private non-profits, resource practitioners for juveniles and government officials and administrators. Members are typically appointed to serve four-year renewable terms.
State of Minnesota youth-serving agencies provide ex officio members to JJAC. While not voting members of JJAC, they provide valuable expertise in their respective fields.
Important Note: The Inspection and Enforcement Unit at the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) assists OJP's compliance monitor by conducting compliance inspections of juvenile facilities which they also inspect for DOC licensure requirements. These inspectors may attend JJAC meetings to report their findings and progress.
See the current members, advisors, staff and subcommittees.
Join the JJAC
If you're interested in joining the committee, visit the Secretary of State website for open appointments.