Established 1961
The OPJOA was founded in 1961 in Columbus, OH with the goal of bringing together officers throughout the state of Ohio to improve the techniques of handling and counseling youths involved in law violations and the parents of such youths.
The statewide organization was to be the means of fostering study and exchanging of ideas and methods used in dealing with youth offenders. Over the years the OPJOA has become open to persons interested in the field of handling youth and who subscribe to the purposes and objectives of the organization.