Title

Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee

Intro

The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC) provides leadership and guidance to help shape a juvenile justice system in Minnesota that is fair, effective, and informed by evidence-based practices, multidisciplinary expertise, and input from the state’s diverse communities.

JJAC serves Minnesota youth by:

Advising the Governor and Legislature on issues, trends, and best practices related to the youth justice system
Developing a three-year strategic plan to guide the allocation of resources and address emerging youth needs
Promoting effective, research-informed youth justice programs statewide

Widgets

About JJAC

The Minnesota Department of Children, Families, and Youth (DCYF) serves as the Designated State Agency for JJAC.

JJAC members are appointed by the Governor’s Office and represent a wide range of perspectives, including:

Youth ages 14–20
Education
Law enforcement
Judiciary
Community-based services
Out-of-school time programming
Violence interruption
Government leadership
State of Minnesota youth-serving agencies participate as ex officio members. While ex officio members do not vote, they provide critical subject-matter expertise.

Important Note:
The Inspection and Enforcement Unit at the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) supports JJAC’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) compliance work by conducting inspections of DOC-licensed facilities. Inspectors may attend JJAC meetings to report findings and compliance progress.

JJAC Members and Leadership

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

JJAC is responsible for Minnesota’s compliance with the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA).

Four core requirements of the JJDPA:

De-institutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO)
- Youth charged with status offenses—acts that would not be criminal if committed by an adult (such as truancy or running away)—may not be held in secure detention.
Sight and Sound Separation of Juvenile and Adults in Secure Custody
- Youth held in adult jails or lockups must not have visual or verbal contact with adults in secure custody.
Jail Removal
- Youth may not be detained in adult jails or lockups beyond specified time limits:
  - Six hours in Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) counties
  - Forty-eight hours in non-MSA counties
Ethnic and Racial Disparities (ERD)
- States must work to reduce the disproportionate involvement of Black, Indigenous, and youth of color at all points in the juvenile justice system.

Join JJAC

For more information about joining the committee, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State for open appointments.

Tentative 2026 Meeting Schedule

Funding

Grants Awarded

Federal Title II Formula Funds

Title II funds are authorized under the JJDPA and allocated annually to states. In Minnesota, these funds are awarded and monitored by JJAC.

Program goals

Prevent or divert youth involvement in the juvenile justice system
Reduce ethnic and racial disparities

Target populations

Youth under age 18 (and their families) who:

Have had contact with the juvenile justice system, or
Are at risk of system involvement

Allowable activities include:

Strategies to reduce ethnic and racial disparities
Coordinated community-based services for at-risk youth and families
Programs designed for specific populations (e.g., youth of color, young women, homeless youth)
Interventions for youth whose behavior places them at risk of future delinquency

Learn more about Title II Formula Grants Program.

Native American Pass-Through Funding

JJAC allocates the Native American Pass-Through funding, which is based on the population of Native Americans within the state. Tribes with a police department are eligible. Contact staff for questions about eligibility.

Plans and Priorities

Individuals and Families

Partners and Providers

Get Involved