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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 
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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.

Other attendees
Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) staff who inspect DOC-licensed facilities sometimes attend JJAC meetings. Their reports help the committee monitor compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 
  4. 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. 

Members, staff and subcommittees

Publications and resources

Partners