Juvenile Justice News
Statement of New Coalition of Juvenile Justice National Chair
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| David R. Schmidt |
JDAI invited me to share my position regarding detention reform as it relates to the goals of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ). I am incoming national chair of CJJ, a national leadership organization comprised of State Advisory Groups (SAGs), mandated under the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to determine the juvenile justice program and/or reform priorities, and to assure that their states are in compliance with the core requirements of the JJDPA. Within CJJ’s broad-based membership, SAG members are joined by state juvenile justice staff, as well as individual and organizational members and allies who share our mission.
It is clear to me, having been involved in the early development of the goals of the JJDPA in the 1970s and, subsequently, the CJJ, that the cornerstone of efforts for juvenile justice reform rests in our ability to influence detention reform. The four core requirements of the JJDPA are all founded on this premise. We began with: De-institutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO); Jail Removal; and Sight and Sound Separation. We later added Disproportionate Minority Confinement (DMC) and expanded it to DM Contact. ALL of these core requirements are grounded in the premise that detention reform, as postulated by the JDAI of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and others, drives efforts at reforming the overall juvenile justice system.
The CJJ is the collective VOICE of the SAGS and as such, is responsible for not only assuring compliance with those four core requirements, but supporting and partnering with such organizations as the Casey Foundation’s JDAI to further compliance with its requirements. CJJ’s board and membership have been proud to have worked in strong partnership with JDAI since 2001. I credit the tireless and zealous advocacy provided by Bart Lubow, a friend and colleague, for much of the success of these reform efforts. The CJJ remains resolved in our commitment to expand detention reforms to as many states and communities as possible, not only through its position statements and guidance for federal and state policy but also via media outreach and intensive on-site training/technical assistance capabilities.
I look forward to the next two years of my tenure as CJJ national chair and of furthering the initiatives that impact detention reform, thus reducing unnecessary incarceration and out-of-home placements. Youth are better rehabilitated and served within their communities and families.
For the benefit of our children, youth and families, and the safety of our communities, I will remain available and responsive to your ideas and positive input.
David R. Schmidt
Coalition for Juvenile Justice National Chair, 2009-2011
Executive Director, New Mexico Council on Crime and Delinquency
Chair, New Mexico State Advisory Group – Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee
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