National Association of Juvenile Correctional Agencies Celebrates 100 Years

• NCJ Number: 201511
• Journal: Corrections Today Volume: 65 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 30-31,119
• Author(s): Denis J. Shumate
• Date Published: July 2003
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Historical Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article offers a chronology of the major events in the life of the National Association of Juvenile Correctional Agencies (NAJCA).

Abstract

In its 100 years, NAJCA has witnessed many changes in programs, policies, laws, philosophy, society, and politics. In 1903, a meeting was held comprised of people interested in juvenile problems that resulted in the establishment of the National Conference on the Education of Backward, Truant, and Delinquent Children. In 1911, the association held a joint meeting with the National Probation Association. In 1914, the association included the American Association of Officials of Charities and Corrections. In 1921, a conference was held where the association combined with the American Prison Association to create the National Conference of Juvenile Agencies. In 1923, a statement of purposes and a constitution were prepared for the organization. In 1925, the National Conference of Juvenile Agencies endorsed indeterminate sentences for all juveniles committed to correctional institutions. In 1936, there was a vote to cease meeting with the American Prison Association and instead meet with the National Conference on Social Work. The first meeting of the Congress of Correction was held in 1942. States were urged to enact legislation prohibiting the detention of juvenile offenders in jails or similar institutions in 1944. In 1952, the Juvenile Delinquency Project was developed to create standards for juvenile agencies. The association changed its name to the current name in 1980. The first of the juvenile corrections workshops/administrator forums was held in 1986. In 1991, an agreement was made to allow juvenile corrections staff access to the National Institute of Corrections academy. In 1994, NAJCA entered an agreement with the National Juvenile Detention Association and the Juvenile Justice Trainers Association to form an alliance to further the goals and agendas of the three organizations.