The Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (JJAG) advises OVSJG as the state administering agency of Title II, Part B, Section 223(a)(3) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), provides active consultation to the Mayor and government agencies, and ensures the provision of comprehensive delinquency prevention programs that meet the needs of youth through the collaboration of many local systems with which a youth may interface. Consistent with these provisions, the JJAG:
• Spearheads the development of the District's three-year statewide plan.
• Advises the Mayor and District government agencies on compliance with core requirements of the JJDPA.
• Obtains input from youth with experience navigating the juvenile justice system.
• Reviews and comments on juvenile justice grant proposals.
• Assists in monitoring all juvenile detention and correction facilities and grant-funded community-based programs to ensure compliance with the JJDPA.
As a required by Title II, Part B, Section 223(a)(3) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Act of 1974, each state, US Territory and the District of Columbia that receives federal formula grants is required to establish a statewide advisory group. This advisory group advises the Mayor, and where appropriate, other stakeholders on matters relevant to juvenile justice and delinquency prevention. Under the JJDPA, each statewide advisory group is required to report bi-annually on accomplishments.
Meeting Calendar
FY24 JJAG Monthly Meeting Public Notice Calendar
JJAG FY24 Public Meeting Calendar Notice- DC Register
Annual Reports
The following Reports describe the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group’s activities during the specified fiscal year(s). Reports typically document JJAG’s recent efforts, the status of the District’s compliance with the core requirements of the JJDPA, or any accomplishments or significant reforms related to improving the Districts juvenile justice system. These reports are submitted to the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
JJAG 2021-2022 Report
JJAG 2019-2020 Report
Three Year Plans
The following Three -Year Plan is supported by funding from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) which allows the District of Columbia to award organizations that will address juvenile delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system.
2021 Three-Year Plan
2018 Three-Year Plan
Special Reports
Alternatives to Detention Issue Brief (2023)
Recommendations to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Arrests of District Youth (2023)
Create New Opportunities for "Persons in Need of Supervision" (PINS) to Succeed Without Legal System Intervention (2019-2020)
Resolutions
Ensure Equitable Resource Alignment to Improve Student Success (Adopted 2023)
Supporting Enhanced Mentoring Efforts and Non-punitive Forms of Engagement (Adopted Jan 10, 2023)
Supporting Enhanced Responses to Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy (Adopted May 10, 2022)
JJAG Structure and Membership
The group consists of a minimum of 15 to 33 members that include the directors of juvenile justice agencies, prosecutors, public defenders, mental health professionals, community leaders, and most importantly, youth. Current members are listed below (in alphabetical order):
- Patrina Anderson, Department of Behavioral Health
- Mylan Barnes, Youth Chairperson, Community Member
- Floyd Bronson, Community Member
- Lisette Burton, Secretary, Community Member
- Sheila Clark, Department of Human Services
- Nataly Del Valle, Community Member
- Ra'Chelle Dennis, Community Member
- Honorable Jennifer DiToro, DC Superior Court/Family Division
- Billy Easley, Locally Elected Official, ANC 1A10 Representative
- Laura Furr, Chairperson, Community Member
- Shyra Gregory, District of Columbia Public Schools
- D'Vontay Hope, Community Member
- Brittany Mobley, Public Defender Service
- Terri Odom, DC Superior Court/Court Social Services Division
- Jenise Patterson, Community Member
- LaShelle Richmond, Vice Chairperson, Community Member
- Dave Rosenthal, Office of the Attorney General
- Penelope Spain, Community Member
- Commander Daniel Godin, Metropolitan Police Department
- Aaron White, Community Member
- Kyla Woods, Community Member
- Bruce Wright, Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services
Staff
- Melissa Milchman, DC Juvenile Justice Specialist, OVSJG
JJAG membership is appointed by the Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments. Apply to serve as a Juvenile Justice Advisory Group member: https://motaboards.applytojob.com/apply/VgXsU5/Juvenile-Justice-Advisory-Group.
By-laws
The Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (JJAG) adopted by-laws in 2013. A copy of the current by-laws, updated January 2021, can be found here.
Compliance Monitoring and Racial and Ethnic Disparities
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council houses the Compliance Monitor and Racial and Ethnic Disparities coordinator. The CJCC assists the District maintaining compliance with the four core requirements:
- Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) -- the deinstitutionalization of status offenders and non-offenders requires that youth who are runaways, truants or curfew violators cannot be detained in juvenile detention facilities or adult jails;
- "Sight and Sound" -- The "Sight and Sound" separation protection disallows contact between juvenile and adult offenders (i.e. if juveniles are put in an adult jail or lock up under the limited circumstances the law allows for, they must be separated from adult inmates);
- "Jail Removal" -- The "Jail Removal" disallows the placement of youth in adult jails and lock ups except under very limited circumstances;
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) -- The RED provision requires states to address the issue of over-representation of youth of color in the justice system.
The District is currently in compliance with the core requirements.
DC Compliance Letter
Compliance Monitoring Manual
Additional JJDPA and SAG Resources
The Center for Coordinated Assistance to States (CCAS) 4-part video and discussion series to orient SAG members.
- Part 1: History of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
- Part 2: Core Protections
- Part 3: SAG Membership and Responsibilities
- Part 4: Three-Year Planning and Title II Formula Grant Program
The Coalition for Juvenile Justice Resources on the JJDPA Core Requirements
The Coalition for Juvenile Justice Resources for Youth SAG Members - Youth Manual
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) Informational Brochure