The House has passed HR 1809, the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, which now goes to the Senate.

The bipartisan legislation includes reforms to:

• Phase out use of the valid court order exception and stop the incarceration of children in need of services.
• Provide states and local leaders flexibility to deliver services that meet the specific needs of young people in their own communities.
• Prioritize evidence-based strategies with proven track records and long-term solutions for addressing juvenile delinquency.
• Improve accountability and oversight at all levels of the juvenile justice system.”

The House passed a reauthorization proposal last year, but it stalled in the Senate over the “Valid Court Order” issue, which allows truants and runaways to be held in custody under certain circumstances.