Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer recently addressed attendees at the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) National Conference on Youth Justice. In his remarks, Mizer highlighted the significant progress made in youth justice and acknowledged key figures contributing to these advancements.
Mizer expressed gratitude towards Bryan for his impactful advocacy work, recalling a notable Supreme Court case, Nelson v. Campbell, where Bryan achieved a unanimous win. "I resolved in that moment to get back to using my abilities as a lawyer to make a difference," Mizer said, reflecting on the influence of Bryan's work depicted in the movie Just Mercy.
He also thanked Liz and Brent for their leadership roles within OJJDP and OJP, crediting their teams with substantial improvements in youth justice systems across America. "Our juvenile justice systems are stronger, and our nation is a better place for kids," he noted.
Acknowledging various stakeholders, including state and local partners as well as young people affected by the justice system, Mizer emphasized their critical role in shaping discussions at the conference. He celebrated 50 years of OJJDP’s contributions to youth welfare while noting significant declines in juvenile detention rates over two decades.
Despite these achievements, Mizer stressed ongoing challenges such as racial disparities within the juvenile justice system and gun violence affecting youth. "Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens — and have been for the last four years," he stated emphatically.
Mizer expressed optimism about future efforts driven by dedicated professionals working toward reforming juvenile justice practices. He mentioned recent initiatives like OJJDP’s curriculum on addressing hate crimes among youth as part of broader strategies aimed at empowering young people against identity-based bullying.
Highlighting collaborative projects like Continuums of Care launched earlier this year, Mizer reiterated commitment towards preventing unnecessary involvement of youths in judicial processes while aiding those already engaged to reintegrate successfully into society.
"We are proud to be your allies in this vital work," concluded Mizer, emphasizing collective efforts over five decades that continue fostering safer communities nationwide.
