Although serious violent crime by juveniles dropped 33 percent between 1993 and 1997, juvenile delinquency and the victimization of juveniles remain serious concerns for juvenile justice practitioners and policymakers alike. How can we ensure public safety, hold juvenile offenders accountable, and help offenders develop into law-abiding citizens? What can we do to combat drug and alcohol abuse? What programs work best in responding to juvenile gangs and gang violence? What can we do to focus positive attention on the majority of youth who aren't involved in delinquency? How can we protect children from maltreatment and abuse?

These are just some of the questions the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) addressed during fiscal year 1998. The diverse programs we funded were designed to help communities build on the downturn in juvenile crime by developing comprehensive, coordinated responses to delinquency. From promoting family strengthening, dependency court reform, and opportunities for youth, to enhancing law enforcement efforts and strengthening the juvenile justice system, integrated strategies can make a difference in a community's rates of juvenile offending and victimization.

To support State and local efforts, OJJDP engages in a continuum of activity. First, we use what we have learned from our research, evaluation, and statistical programs to develop model demonstration programs. Once our evaluation efforts have proven these programs successful, we help other communities replicate them. Finally, we develop training and technical assistance to help others learn about effective policies and programs. Keeping the public and policymakers informed about the issues surrounding juvenile crime and programs that work is a key OJJDP priority. This cycle of activity reflects a critical Federal role in supporting programs to help communities address problems.

This OJJDP Annual Report highlights some of the many accomplishments of FY 1998. It discusses a variety of research, statistical, demonstration, training, technical assistance, and information dissemination initiatives. It also provides a snapshot of how States and U.S. territories are using formula and block grants from OJJDP to improve their juvenile justice systems and prevent delinquency. It summarizes our efforts to help missing and exploited children, including several new initiatives to protect children from online exploitation. The Report also offers information about the number of juveniles taken into custody and several new surveys that will provide even further insights into juvenile detention and corrections issues.

I hope that the information in this Report will help practitioners and policymakers as they shape their programs to address juvenile delinquency and victimization. By working together and sharing our experiences, I am confident that we can ensure that the downturn in serious violent juvenile crime will continue.

OJJDP Annual Report 1998	October 1999