October is a significant month for youth justice advocates across the nation, marking National Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM). This year, YJAM aligns with the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), a cornerstone of the juvenile justice system in the United States.
YJAM is a powerful reminder of the importance of creating supportive, rehabilitative environments for young people involved in the justice system.
What is Youth Justice Action Month?
Youth Justice Action Month was established in 2008 and was initially called Youth Justice Awareness Month. It emerged from the tragic story of Tracy McClard, whose son, Jonathan, took his life while in solitary confinement in an adult jail. This heartbreaking event galvanized advocacy for reform within the juvenile justice system, particularly against the prosecution and incarceration of youth in adult facilities.
McClard started Youth Justice Awareness Month with a 5k race, in hopes to spread the word about the initiative. “It was my dream that youth justice awareness was spread across the nation,” McClard said. After the 5k race, more events took place which paved the road for multiple states to recognize Youth Justice Awareness Month. “It spread like wildfire,” McClard added. By 2010, more than 20 states recognized Youth Justice Awareness Month. In 2013, “Jonathan’s Law” was passed in Missouri. “Jonathan’s Law” requires judges to consider giving minors who have been convicted as adults, a juvenile sentence and requires an explanation why if the judge does not.
In 2016, the name changed to Youth Justice Action Month to emphasize the need for tangible actions and commitments from advocates, legislators and communities to improve youth justice. This month is now an opportunity for organizations, families and allies to unite in promoting reform, raising awareness and sharing resources aimed at helping young people.
The Importance of Youth Justice Action Month
- Awareness and Education: YJAM serves as a platform to educate the public about the realities of the juvenile justice system. Many individuals are unaware of the risks that young people face when incarcerated in adult facilities, including heightened chances of assault, trauma, and lack of access to age-appropriate care and education.
- Focus on Reform: The JJDPA emphasizes help and accountability, urging communities to focus on supporting youth rather than punishing them. YJAM calls attention to the need for a juvenile justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and restorative justice rather than punitive measures.
- Community Engagement: With the support of organizations like the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the National Youth Justice Network (NYJN), and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ), YJAM encourages community involvement in reform efforts. This year, 77 organizations across 40 states received funding to enhance JJDPA awareness and YJAM programming, highlighting a nationwide commitment to change.
- A National Commitment: President Joe Biden has proclaimed October as National Youth Justice Action Month, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for youth. His proclamation emphasizes the need for a juvenile justice system that embodies equality, fairness and opportunity.
Looking Ahead
This October, it’s crucial to reflect on the progress made in juvenile justice reform and the work that remains. The overarching goal involves envisioning a future where young people receive the support they need to thrive, rather than being funneled into systems that fail to meet their developmental needs.
Its theme “YOUth Are Worth It” reminds us that young people are valuable members of our communities who deserve healing, second chances and pathways to success. They deserve prevention and intervention efforts.
This month, we advocate for the reforms necessary to ensure that all youth can grow up in environments that are nurturing and just. Together, we can build a future where the juvenile justice system reflects our nation’s most fundamental values — values that honor the dignity, potential and worth of every young person.
Blog post by Brianna Bowman
