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Programs and Services

The Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) has cultivated a network of partnerships with agencies statewide to offer youth a wide array of diversion and supervision programs. These initiatives aim to reduce juvenile crime, promote accountability, and support rehabilitation through culturally responsive and community-based approaches.

  • Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
    A federal agency that funds research, training, and programs to strengthen juvenile justice systems and support at-risk youth.
  • Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA)
    The JJDPA sets federal standards to protect youth in the justice system and promote fair, developmentally appropriate treatment.
  • Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (AJJAC)
    A volunteer-led advisory group offering strategic guidance to reduce juvenile crime and ensure youth have meaningful opportunities to succeed. 
  • Interstate Compact for Juveniles (ICJ)
    Ensures proper supervision and legal coordination for juveniles crossing state lines, including runaways and probation transfers.
  • Youth Courts
    Peer-led justice systems where youth serve as judges and attorneys for minor offenses. Alaska currently supports 7 active youth courts, promoting restorative justice and civic engagement who receive referrals from DJJ, district court, and some school districts. Learn more about Youth Courts with the Alaska Youth Law Guide.
  • Diversion
    Diversion refers to the process of handling certain juvenile cases outside of the formal court system. This can include non-court adjustments, informal probation, or referrals to community partner agencies such as tribal and youth courts. The majority of referrals received by the Division of Juvenile Justice are “diverted” from formal court, and the youth served never sees the inside of a courtroom or detention facility.

    • Diversion serves several important purposes:

    • Supports youth well-being: It allows youth who are unlikely to re-offend the opportunity to address their behavior without the pressures and formality of court.
    • Empowers communities: It allows community partners and victims to play more active roles in addressing juvenile offenses.
    • Eases court workload: It helps manage the high volume of cases that courts would otherwise be unable to process efficiently.
    • Saves time and money: Diversion is faster and more cost-effective than the formal adjudication process.
    • Improves probation services: It helps reduce probation caseloads, allowing more focused resources for higher-risk youth.

    Diversion opportunities and programs facilitated by community partners vary by region. Reach out to your local juvenile probation field office if you would like to learn more about the diversion programs available in your community!

  • Mediation
    Tribes apply traditional practices and justice to help youth recognize the impact of their actions and restore community harmony.
  • Tribal Justice
    Local programs offer alternatives to formal adjudication, allowing youth to resolve charges through community-based services.
  • Grants
    The Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice is committed to proactively identifying and pursuing grant opportunities available to government agencies. These grants are carefully selected and strategically applied to support and enhance the Division’s mission of promoting public safety, accountability, and rehabilitation. By leveraging external funding, the Division is able to expand its programs, improve service delivery, and address emerging needs within the juvenile justice system.