06.10.15

Scott to Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Scott to Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) will hold a press conference to preview the Youth Justice Act of 2015. The legislation would reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) of 1974, which has not been reauthorized by Congress in over a decade. The bill reinforces federal safeguards for state juvenile justice systems, by renewing education, safety, and prevention standards for our nation’s youth. Congressman Scott will be joined by other members of Congress who are original co-sponsors of the bill and supportive of youth justice reform.

WHO:             

Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce              

Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37), Founder of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth

 Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02), Member of the Committee on the Judiciary

WHAT:                       

Press conference on The Youth Justice Act of 2015

WHEN:                       

Thursday, June 11, 2015

10:00 a.m. EDT

WHERE:          

HVC Studio B

Capitol Visitor Center

The Capitol

Washington, D.C.

RSVP:              Media interested in attending this event should R.S.V.P to Arika Trim: arika.trim@mail.house.gov

BACKGROUND:          

Today, girls are the fastest-growing segment of the juvenile justice population, and youth of color represent 71 percent of youth held in detention nationwide. 33 states spend at least $100,000 annually per incarcerated juvenile. The Youth Justice Act of 2015 aims to change this trajectory by focusing on three core principles: education, safety and prevention. The legislation is based on S. 2999, a bipartisan bill that was introduced on December 11, 2014 by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). 

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