The Commission's foremost responsibility is the custody and care of juveniles committed to and otherwise placed under its jurisdiction (including the Aftercare/Parole function for committed juvenile offenders). However, the Commission has additional significant responsibilities which include: serving an oversight role in county juvenile justice issues; administering the State/Community Partnership Grant Program, coordinating through County Youth Services Commissions the planning and expansion of local sanctions and services; establishing standards for county detention facilities and monitoring compliance; and overseeing the implementation of education programs in county detention facilities.

The JJC is committed to: providing a safe living environment for New Jersey's men, women and, particularly, its children;
ensuring that juvenile offenders are held accountable for their law breaking; and providing to juveniles opportunities for personal growth and skill development through rehabilitative efforts and prevention services.