About

Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee

Setting a vision for juvenile justice in Minnesota
 

About JJAC

JJAC's Statement of Purpose

The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee 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.

 

Juvenile Justice Planning

The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC) ​serves Minnesota youth by
  • Advising the Governor and the Legislature about issues, trends and practices related to Minnesota’s juvenile justice system.
  • Developing a strategic Three-Year 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 (i.e. truancy, running away, tobacco and alcohol use).
 
 

Sight and Sound Separation of Juvenile and Adult Offenders

States must ensure that 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 that no juvenile shall be detained or confined in a jail or lockup intended for adult offenders beyond specified time limits: 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.
 
 

Membership

The Governor appoints youth, as well as representatives from community-based non-profits, law enforcement, judiciary, probation, mental health and chemical dependency, education, and child welfare​.
 
 

For more information contact:

Callie Hargett
Juvenile Justice Specialist and Compliance Monitor
Office of Justice Programs
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2300
Office: 651-201-7348