Founded in 1901 by social worker and political pioneer Jane Addams, the Juvenile Protective Association, commonly referred to as the "JPA" is a private, non-profit agency that works with and on the behalf of children and families.
Using highly trained professionals, it ensures the safety and emotional security of vulnerable children through therapeutic and supportive services, influences public policy through research and education and brings hope to families.
Its mission, according to its website, is to "protect and to promote the healthy development of children whose social and emotional well-being, or whose physical safety are in jeopardy, either because of neglect or abuse at home or because of inimical interferences in the neighborhood, and, when necessary, to provide for the rehabilitation of families for such children."