Grassley Joins Iowans to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Landmark Juvenile Justice Law

Grassley Joins Iowans to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Landmark Juvenile Justice Law

POLK COUNTY, IOWA - U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, recognized the 50^th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) in remarks to Iowa advocates. Grassley was honored by Iowa youth for his work to champion the Charles Grassley Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program. The Coalition for Family and Children's Services in Iowa hosted the event at Drake University amid Youth Justice Action Month.

"JJDPA for 50 years has brightened futures for youth who've entered our justice system. By empowering local stakeholders and bolstering federal protections for minors, this program ensures better outcomes and gives kids the opportunities they need to get their lives back on track," Grassley said. "I welcome the chance to speak with grassroots advocates in Iowa. Today's event served as a reminder of this law's impact in local communities across Iowa, and how together we can continue building on its successes."

"We were deeply honored to have Senator Grassley join us in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) during Youth Justice Action Month. His steadfast leadership in reauthorizing this landmark legislation has had a profound and lasting impact on Iowa's youth and families. Through his advocacy, Senator Grassley has championed reforms that prioritize prevention, accountability, and the wellbeing of young people in our justice system. The power of this law goes beyond policy; it changes lives," Kristie Oliver, Executive Director of the Coalition for Family & Children's Services in Iowa, said."As we heard from youth affected by the system, the JJDPA not only provided the youth with critical services at a turning point in their lives, but it also created opportunities for youth to have a voice in shaping the very systems that serve them. The reauthorization of the JJDPA continues to open new doors for youth across Iowa, offering them the support and resources necessary to build brighter futures. We look forward to continuing this critical work together, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive."

"As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, we are reminded of the critical importance of advocating for the rights and futures of our youth. This landmark legislation has had a profound impact on youth justice reform, ensuring that young people are given opportunities for rehabilitation, not just punishment. It was an honor to have Senator Grassley with us, whose leadership on youth justice issues has been instrumental in shaping policies that support and protect our youth. At Drake Law, through our Middleton Center for Children's Rights, we are committed to continuing this vital work, educating the next generation of lawyers and leaders to advocate for fairness, justice, and equity for all our young people," said Drake University Law School Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr.

Download photos HERE. Read Grassley's prepared remarks HERE.

Background:

Grassley is a leading advocate for juvenile justice reform. In 2018 as U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, he championed the first reauthorization of the JJDPA in nearly 16 years, including measures to expand program oversight, promote screening for mental illness and substance abuse, prohibit the shackling of pregnant youth in juvenile detention, ensure the separation of juvenile and adult offenders and provide detained minors access to adequate legal representation. Grassley, this year, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and reauthorize the program through 2029.

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