ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Sept. 22, 2016)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA Vice President of Advocacy Shannon Sevier:

“This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act, which would reauthorize the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and strengthen the nation’s juvenile justice system. Reauthorization of the JJDPA is long overdue.

“The Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act is an improvement over current law. The bill includes provisions that would prevent children and youth from entering the juvenile justice system as well as better protect and support those currently in the system. National PTA commends the members of the House of Representatives who voted for the bill and the bipartisan commitment to ensuring greater opportunities and alternatives to incarceration for our nation’s youth.

“National PTA urges the Senate to take swift action to reauthorize the JJDPA before the end of the year to make certain every child can reach his or her full potential.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.