In 1984, citizen volunteers appointed by Governors and charged to fulfill the purposes and spirit of the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act formed a representative national nonprofit organization, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ):

• To give voice to state-identified concerns and needs in juvenile justice;
• To advise state and federal policy makers and the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and
• To generate ongoing collegial support and information exchange.
  

For nearly 25 years, CJJ has served as the national association of Governor-appointed State Advisory Groups and included members from many walks of life and professional disciplines who, together with allied individuals and organizations, seek to improve the circumstances of vulnerable and troubled children, youth and families involved with the courts, and to build safe communities.

Today, CJJ members span the U.S. states and territories, providing a forum for sharing best practices, innovations, policy recommendations and peer support.