Des Moines Sun

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDPA) Reauthorization Act. This legislation aims to reauthorize important delinquency prevention programs and enhance federal protections for incarcerated minors.

"Kids in our juvenile justice system ought to be treated fairly and given the tools they need to succeed," stated Grassley. "Our bipartisan bill builds off decades of work to strengthen the core tenets of this critical program, and I thank Senator Whitehouse for his continued partnership to protect and improve outcomes for at-risk youth."

Whitehouse expressed his commitment, saying, "Senator Grassley has been a steadfast partner in strengthening protections for kids in the justice system. I’m proud to continue our bipartisan work to equip state and local communities with resources to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system and to give young people a better chance to get their lives on track after getting out."

The proposed act seeks several key initiatives:

- Reauthorizing the Charles Grassley Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program through 2030. This includes empowering local stakeholders, improving State Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups' effectiveness, and strengthening federal protections for juveniles.

- Renewing Youth PROMISE Grants and the Tribal Youth Program aimed at supporting at-risk or delinquent youth locally.

In 2018, both senators played significant roles in reauthorizing the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act after nearly 16 years. Their efforts led to substantial updates such as expanded program oversight, mental illness screening, prohibiting shackling pregnant youths in detention, ensuring separation of juvenile from adult offenders, and providing legal representation access.

Last year marked JJDPA's 50th anniversary celebration where Grassley was recognized by Iowa youth for his contributions toward reforming the juvenile justice system.