As the 35th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) neared, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) conducted a national survey detailing the progress states have made and the challenges that state and local communities still face in reaching full compliance with this act.

The CJJ survey includes self-reported, unverified responses from 53 states and territories. These findings demonstrate widespread state compliance with JJDPA and show that states value the federal partnership created by this act. This survey determined that the JJDPA is fulfilling its purpose.

The survey also found areas in which states face greater challenges in reaching the goals of the JJDPA. Decreased funding, inconsistent communication, and insufficient training and technical assistance around compliance practices are areas in need of greater support.

CJJ determined that as a result of the JJDPA, youth and their families in contact with the juvenile justice system are better served today than they were 35 years ago. Every effort should be made to sustain the success and enhance the future of the JJDPA.