Newport News Juvenile Probation

General information

Prior to July 1, 1990, our agency was part of the Department of Corrections.

On July 1, 1990, the Department of Youth and Family Services separated from the Department of Corrections as a youth service division. The agency, known as the Department of Youth and Family Services, continued its mission of offender accountability and rehabilitation. Working with families and supporting agencies, the Department addressed the needs of youth using comprehensive programs and services through community supervision and secure confinement.

On July 1, 1996, major legislative changes occurred that had a dramatic impact on Juvenile Justice in Virginia. The Department of Youth and Family Services’ name changed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and new and existing laws directed the handling of serious or violent juvenile offender behavior in accordance with the criminal justice system normally reserved for adults.

In addition to legislative changes, DJJ adopted a national philosophy known as the Balanced Approach to Juvenile Justice in the mid-90s. Working within the concept of the Balanced Approach, DJJ continues to put equal focus on promoting:

• Competency Development,
• Community Protection, and
• Accountability.

The agency’s mission requires support of programs and services that enhance the knowledge, skill, and ability of each juvenile. By holding youth accountable to these programs and services, DJJ enhances the protection of every citizen of the Commonwealth, to include the offender, who is better equipped to become a productive member of society. Though legislative updates continue to define and change with juvenile offender trends, DJJ’s core responsibility to its rehabilitation efforts remains the same.