Formed in 1990 as the Ohio Coalition for Better Youth Services, to support adequate funding for youth services in the state biennium budget and other related advocacy activity. Incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in 1993 and became a membership organization. Changed name to JJC in 2000.

Statewide conferences:

Coalition building.

Issue advocacy. Took the lead to encourage the Governor’s Council on Juvenile Justice (under the Ohio Department of Youth Services) to develop a state action plan to reduce disproportionate minority confinement in Ohio, resulting in the establishment in Spring 2002 of a state DMC committee.

System assessment. In partnership with the Children’s Law Center, JJC coordinated an Ohio assessment of legal representation for indigent youth, published in March 2003. JJC is assisting to follow up on the recommendations.

System improvement. In 2005 – 2006, JJC is implementing a Community Education project to make youth and families more aware of their rights in the juvenile justice system.

Public education. Advocated with citizens and legislators for increased funding for community-based services in the state biennium budgets. Provided information and analysis for members and other concerned citizens on juvenile justice legislation, policies and programs.

Legislation. Advocated against the legislation mandating automatic juvenile bindovers and extended commitments to the Ohio Department of Youth Services, that was passed in 1995. We were successful in getting some of the provisions of the bill reduced. Testified and added amendments to the Juvenile Sentencing bill, which passed the Ohio General Assembly in 1996. Testified on the legislation introduced in 1997 to the Ohio General Assembly to create a Release Authority for the Ohio Department of Youth Services The bill passed with some modifications to the provisions we were concerned about.

Legal advocacy. In November 2001, joined in an amicus brief by the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana, successfully challenging the constitutionality of executing an individual who was a juvenile at the time of his offense.

National involvement. JJC is representing Ohio in the National Network of Statewide Juvenile Justice Collaborations to participate in national juvenile justice issue advocacy.