DDS 95 offers a broad look at how Federal agencies are working within their statutory authority to address juvenile delinquency. It then describes specific programs that illustrate agency efforts to prevent delinquency or to intervene with juveniles when delinquent behavior occurs. The mission, goals, and priorities of the Federal agencies included in DDS 95 form a continuum of strategies to address the many facets of juvenile delinquency. Individually, the 27 Federal units play an important role in dealing with the factors that relate to the prevention, onset, and continuance of juvenile delinquency. Collectively, they provide a comprehensive approach for mitigating the risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency and for meeting the varied needs of at-risk youth.
Statutes frame each agency's direction, mission, and programs.
Policies, practices, and prevailing problems or concerns drive program emphases and funding priorities. The agencies included in DDS 95 have demonstrated strong commitment, involvement, cooperation, and leadership in preventing and intervening in juvenile delinquency. Many of the programs and activities described in the report involve interagency collaboration and cooperation to maximize resources and reduce service and program gaps and overlaps. Agency collaboration also enhances program impact by applying the best practices, knowledge, and approaches to a particular problem or issue. Each agency providing input for this report supports a variety of delinquency prevention strategies and programs.