Youth for Justice began in the early 1980s, when the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) of the Department of Justice sponsored a research and development program that established the potential of law-related education (LRE) in reducing delinquent behavior. In 1983, OJJDP established the National Training and Dissemination Program (NTDP) to institutionalize high-quality LRE delinquency prevention programs in public and private schools, kindergarten through grade 12, throughout the nation. In 1994, NTDP became Youth for Justice, a national LRE program coordinated by five national partners working in cooperation with a network of affiliated state programs.

Over one million students participate in Youth for Justice programs annually. With support from OJJDP, Youth for Justice's five national partners and state programs offer an array of LRE programs and activities for young people in their schools and communities. LRE

• helps young people avoid delinquent behavior and develop the knowledge, skills,
  and attitudes of effective citizens.
• enriches social studies, language arts, and science courses through interactive instructional strategies.
• enhances learning by providing opportunities for young people to participate in and take responsibility for their communities.
• equips young people to confront challenging issues such as substance abuse, crime, and violence.

Youth for Justice involves young people in LRE programs that address national problems, particularly violence by and against youth. Youth for Justice builds partnerships. It works closely with legal, educational, governmental, and community groups to initiate and strengthen LRE programs. Its network of national and state programs has made LRE a permanent part of school programs throughout our nation.