Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group (SAG)

The North Dakota Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group (SAG) is a Governor-appointed advisory board established pursuant to the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), which is considered one of the most successful standard-setting statutes that recognizes the value of citizen-driven efforts to prevent delinquency. Membership of the SAG is based on the requirements established in the JJDPA and includes a broad range of perspectives.

The SAG helps guide North Dakota's efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency, address the needs of at-risk youth, and improve outcomes for youth, families and communities. As part of its responsibilities under the JJDPA, the SAG:

• Provides policy direction and participates in the development and implementation of ND's delinquency prevention plan;
• Promotes evidence-based approaches to prevention, diversion, intervention, and juvenile justice system improvement; and
• Supports the state's efforts to maintain compliance with the four core requirements of the JJDPA:
  • Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders;
  • Separation of Juveniles from Adult Inmates;
  • Removal of Juveniles from Adult Jails and Lockups; and
  • Identification and Reduction of Racial and Ethnic Disparities.

As part of its FY2024-2026 strategic plan, the SAG has established two primary overarching goals:

1. Reduce incarceration and out-of-home placement through community-based alternatives; and
2. Reduce juvenile justice system involvement through programs that seek to meet the needs of youth and families.

Resources

Additional information about the SAG's work is available through the following resources:

• SAG Membership
• SAG Biennial Report
• North Dakota Racial and Ethnic Disparities Plan
• Cass County Assessment of Racial and Ethnic Disparties: Full Report / Executive Summary