Protect Trafficked Youth: Urge Congress to Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act

Young survivors of sex trafficking deserve safety, support, and healing—not arrest and incarceration. But far too often, youth who have been exploited are treated like criminals instead of victims. The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act (JJDPA) helps change that.

This bipartisan bill provides critical funding and protections to prevent youth from becoming entangled in the justice system—especially those who have been trafficked, are experiencing homelessness, or have experienced abuse or neglect. It promotes trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches that keep kids out of detention and connected to the care they need.

By sending a message to your lawmakers, you’re urging them to support the JJDPRA and protect children from being punished for their own exploitation. This bill invests in community-based services, strengthens protections against the incarceration of status offenders (like running away or truancy), and helps states build systems that respond to youth with care—not criminalization.

Take action now to help stop the cycle of exploitation and incarceration. Tell Congress to reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.