Congress is taking up the issue of re-authorizing the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 with this year’s Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act. The bipartisan bill, according to its authors:

“Sets kids up for long-term success by helping them acquire skills necessary to grow into productive members of society and promoting opportunities to turn their lives around;

Provides state and local leaders flexibility to meet the needs of delinquent youth in their communities and improve public safety;

Helps at-risk youth avoid the juvenile justice system by supporting prevention services;

Prioritizes what works by focusing on evidence-based strategies with proven track records; and

Improves accountability and oversight to deliver positive outcomes for kids and protect taxpayers.”