Bill benefits juvenile justice system

To the editor:

Iowa's Juvenile Justice Advisory Council thanks Sen. Chuck Grassley, along with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, for introducing a bill on Dec. 11 to reauthorize the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. The JJAC is the state-level council overseeing Iowa's implementation of the JJDPA.

The JJDPA, first enacted 40 years ago, was last reauthorized in 2002. It is the most comprehensive federal law regarding juvenile justice and is the foundation upon which core protections for youth in the justice system are built. The bill introduced by Grassley and Whitehouse recognizes new research and innovations regarding juvenile justice.

Historically, Iowa's efforts related to implementation of the JJDPA have resulted in more effective, efficient and innovative policies and services for runaways, delinquent young men and women, and minority youth. Iowa also has capitalized on the framework provided by the JJDPA to improve public safety and the lives of youth that come in contact with the justice system.

Iowans have always been appreciative of Grassley's long-standing efforts to improve the juvenile justice system and he is again demonstrating that commitment with this bill. Iowa's JJAC strongly supports the Senator's leadership on this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the JJDPA.

Joel Illian, chair

Andrew Allen, vice-chair

Juvenile Justice Advisory Council

Des Moines