DJJ's Agency Mission

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) was created in 1979 by a change in Chapter 28 of New York City's Charter. Sections 675 through 678 of the Executive Law delineate the mandate for the Agency and its powers.

DJJ's mission is to provide Non-Secure (NSD) and Secure Detention for alleged Juvenile Delinquents (JDs) and Secure Detention for alleged Juvenile Offenders (JOs) whose cases are pending, along with post-adjudicated juveniles awaiting transfer to state facilities. DJJ detains youth in structured and secure settings. While in detention, residents receive an array of services, such as education, health services, recreation, and case management.