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CJJ | Newsletter: September 2007


CJJ Leadership News
- Message from Robin Jenkins, CJJ 2007 National Chair
- All CJJ Members Welcome! Council of SAGs Meeting and Executive Board Elections – October 19-21

CJJ Government Relations Alert
- Urge Congress to Take Up JJDPA Reauthorization ASAP
- ACT4JJ Releases “Take Action Toolkit” on JJDPA Reauthorization
- New Restrictions on SCHIP May Threaten Services to Children and Youth
- CJJ Co-Leads Efforts for Improved Juvenile Sex Offender Legislation

CJJ Training News
- An Update on CJJ Training and Programming

National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN) News
- Upcoming Teleconference: Partnering with Protection and Advocacy Agencies to Promote Juvenile Justice Reform
- Youth Today Covers NJJN Policy Brief and Colorado SAG

Detention Reform News
- SAG Leadership Guide for Detention Reform

In Memoriam
- Robert “Bob” Mardis
- George Yefchak

Resources and Information of Note
- FACJJ Releases 2007 Annual Report to the President and Congress
- 2007 OJJDP/SRAD Joint Training Conference and DMC Conference with DSG
- Equity Project Asks for Survey Responses
- Colorado Establishes Juvenile Clemency Board
- JPI Releases First in New Policy Brief Series on Public Safety
- APA Report Finds Zero Tolerance Policies Ineffective, Recommends Restorative Justice
- NPR Features Story on Juvenile Crime Decrease in New Orleans
- Four Governors Discuss Juvenile Justice in Christian Science Monitor
- Job Openings: Center for Children’s Law and Policy and Justice Policy Institute




CJJ Leadership News

Message from Robin Jenkins, CJJ 2007 National Chair

Well, the summer has come and nearly gone – have you taken time to restore yourselves via vacation or something fun? I certainly hope so. With Congress back in session and several very important bills to consider, CJJ needs your energy and creativity now as much as ever!

Our perspectives at CJJ continue to center on serving and supporting our members and the field, coupled with key Congressional work including the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), relevant appropriations and other juvenile justice matters at the federal level. Our upcoming meeting in Denver (see announcement below) is a critical next step toward the finalization of our new Executive Board and Council of SAGs format, in addition to some opportunities for training and strategic thinking to lead the next generation of CJJ leaders. Please make an effort to join us as CJJ only flourishes with the participation of its talented members.

As well, the Government Relations Committee, along with CJJ staff and our national juvenile justice partners, is very active up on “the Hill,” tracking and informing the content of several important bills and meeting frequently with key congressional staff. I reiterate to you that for those who tell us they want a Hill presence through their membership contributions, you are getting your money’s worth. When considering the direct consultations and feedback occurring between congressional staffers and CJJ staff members representing your interests, along with the collaboration between and among the national juvenile justice organizations, CJJ has never been more directly involved (and quite successfully I must add) in the formulation and advisement of federal juvenile justice policy.

Additionally, CJJ members continue to provide very high quality peer training and guidance. Recently, Judge Paul Lawrence (NH) assisted Mavis Williamson (KY JJ Specialist) and the state of Kentucky related to DSO compliance, while Sue Kamp (VT) visited North Carolina during its SAG retreat to assist in basic and advance SAG member training. Both efforts received high ratings in terms of participants’ satisfaction and knowledge gained. Soon, Sue Kamp (VT) and Mark Ferrante, the new CJJ Director of Leadership and Training Programs, will offer similar training support to New Mexico.

These are just a few examples of what you get by being involved in such a quality organization. BUT, as I say to you frequently, CJJ is you and what you get out of CJJ is proportional to what you invest. Whether it is time, money, talent, etc., like anything else in life the value of your CJJ membership is judged along with your own personal investment. Be sure and invest wisely. Come to the membership meetings; attend conferences; sit in on tele-conferences; read the distributed materials; visit the Web site often; locate and sign up for an event/committee/task that suits your interests and talents – don’t sit on the sidelines or in the bleachers and fuss that things are not happening for juvenile justice. They are, and in a big way—and your help and insights are valued.

On another note, work with the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice, as well as CJJ, tends to reveal the same federal-state issues year after year. We’ve been talking about DMC, mental health, etc. for many years! While these are important, if not critical concerns, my own personal philosophy about comprehensive juvenile justice reform includes ideas that integrate youth development, adolescent brain and physical development, mental health/substance abuse, community mobilization, graduated sanctions and restorative justice research and evidence-focused interventions. I hope you are spending some time thinking about what juvenile justice means to you personally, as well as to your state and/or local community. Let us hear from you.

Shifting gears a bit, as you read on you’ll find poignant information on two gentlemen of great impact to their communities and states, Bob Mardis (IN) and George Yefchak (NJ), who both passed away recently. I’ve written to you earlier with my thoughts and condolences. When any organization loses leaders such as these, their legacies should include our recommitment to the values and principles of what CJJ is all about: equity, social justice and progressive and meaningful positive results for everyone involved in the juvenile justice system. I say “so long” to Bob and George, but not “good-bye.” I suspect that somewhere Bob and George will be watching over us, ensuring that we get it right – and I personally hope to run into them again one day in the next world, shake their hands and hear “well done.”

As always, I thank you for all you do for children and youth. I invite your comments and feedback ([1] rjenkins@cccommunicare.org).

Robin Jenkins

All CJJ Members Welcome! Council of SAGs Meeting and Executive Board Elections – October 19-21

Thank you to everyone who has already responded regarding the upcoming CJJ Council of SAGs Meeting and Elections. CJJ will host the event in Denver, CO, beginning on the evening of Friday, October 19, 2007 and closing the morning of Sunday, October 21, 2007.

The meeting will address CJJ's future governance, as voted upon by the CJJ Board of Directors' at its June meeting in Washington, D.C., and will include updates on CJJ’s current work, a forecast of CJJ’s 2008 activities and a candidates' forum and elections for the CJJ Executive Board (terms beginning January 2008).

If you have the experience and interest to hold one of these leadership positions, CJJ urges you to come forward with a self-nomination. Please also inform and nominate others.  We have been very fortunate over the years to have had highly qualified and dedicated people serve in all positions. Please share this information so that as many people as possible may know of the opportunity.

The following positions will be elected by the CJJ Council of SAGs (composed of SAG Chairs or Chair-designees from member states) from among eligible SAG members:
The following positions will be elected by CJJ Regional Coalitions (composed of SAG members, Juvenile Justice Specialists, DMC Coordinators, Members at Large and Affiliate Organization members):
Nominations for these positions must be submitted by October 10, 2007.

Elections for the National Juvenile Justice Specialist Representative and the National DMC Coordinator Representative will not occur at the Denver meeting, but on November 15, 2007 via electronic voting. Nominations for those two positions are due by November 5, 2007.

Information about nominations and elections is presently being sent via e-mail and regular mail. If you do not receive the mailing or have additional questions, please contact Kitty McCarthy at [2] mccarthy@juvjustice.org or 202-467-0864, ext. 110.

If you have any questions about CJJ governance, the organization’s future goals and plans, or wish to speak with a voluntary leader who has served on the National Steering Committee for several years, feel free to contact Immediate Past Chair and Chair of the Nominating Committee, Paul Lawrence, at [3] plawrence@courts.state.nh.us.

CJJ Government Relations Alert

Contributed by Tara Andrews, CJJ Deputy Executive Director of Policy and Programs, and the CJJ Government Relations Committee

Urge Congress to Take Up JJDPA Reauthorization ASAP

The list of sign-ons to the JJDPA Statement of Principles has continued to grow and its circulation to Congressional staff has expanded. As of August, more than 170 national, state and local organizations and individuals—including CJJ and six individual SAGs—have endorsed the reauthorization campaign to: 1) keep children and youth out of the justice system whenever possible; 2) ensure equity and competence; 3) ensure responses appropriate to a young person’s age and stage of development; and 4) strengthen the federal partnership with the states via sufficient resources.

Has your SAG or organization signed on? If not, now is the time! Please send full name, address, contact person and title, by email to [4] info@juvjustice.org.

ACT4JJ Releases “Take Action Toolkit” on JJDPA Reauthorization

In August, the ACT 4 Juvenile Justice Campaign (ACT4JJ) released a “Take Action Toolkit” designed to help advocates in support of JJDPA reauthorization take action at the local, state and national levels. The Toolkit includes several helpful items, such as a “Sample Action Alert E-mail,” “Tips on Contacting Your Legislation” and a “Sample Letter to the Editor.”

ACT4JJ has also released a “What Your National Organization Can Do” one-pager designed to help organizations with a national reach educate and mobilize their members and constituencies around reauthorization.

Right now, ACT4JJ invites CJJ members and allies to download the ACT4JJ Postcard and join the National Postcard Campaign! The postcards, which clearly articulate the importance of reauthorization, are a simple way to communicate with your congressional delegation about the JJDPA. Hundreds of postcards have already been mailed and/or delivered to members of Congress, and we invite you to help us generate hundreds more!

All of these items can be viewed and downloaded at [5] www.act4jj.org/get_involved.html.

Are you part of the JJDPA Reauthorization Campaign? To become more involved and stay informed, visit [6] www.act4jj.org and join the listserv.

New Restrictions on SCHIP May Threaten Services to Children and Youth

For the last several months, a battle has been raging between Congress and the Administration over reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). While the battle was on pause during the August recess, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new rules regarding eligibility determinations that may result in the denial of services to currently eligible children.

Specifically, the new rules require that prior to enrolling a child in CHIP, states that set eligibility above 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (250% FPL for a family of four is $51,625) must prove that the individuals–in this case, children–have been uninsured for at least one year. To go above 250% FPL, such states must also show they have enrolled at least 95% of their children below 200% FPL who are eligible for either CHIP or Medicaid and that the number of children in the target population insured through private coverage has not decreased by more than 2 percentage points in the past five years. In addition, the rules are retroactive and all affected states (those covering above 250% FPL) must amend their CHIP state plan or Section 1115 demonstration waiver to come in full compliance within 12 months or face potential corrective action from CMS.
According to an alert issued by the Child Welfare League of America, state and local leaders are concerned. Immediate action by CJJ members may prove helpful.

We urge all SAG Chairs in the affected states to contact their Governors and State Health Executives and communicate the following:
  1. Due to costs, children and youth with mental health needs are often unable to access services through the community, and end up seeking care through the juvenile justice system as a last resort. As a result, nationwide, children with mental health needs are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system.
  2. Due to restrictions, however, available funding for mental health services to low- and middle-income children in the juvenile justice system is still inadequate.
  3. When coupled with Medicaid, however, CHIP, which extends services to children in households that make too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too little to afford private health insurance, helps provide critical residential, outpatient and community-based mental health services to children and youth in the juvenile justice system.
  4. In order to meet the needs of children and improve public safety, it is imperative that [your state] respond to efforts by CMS to restrict and eliminate eligibility for currently eligible children and youth.
In addition, in the event that the SCHIP program is not reauthorized and instead receives a continuing resolution, CJJ will likely add SCHIP reauthorization to its 2008 Policy Agenda for the purpose of preserving, if not expanding, mental health and related services to JJ-involved children and youth.

CJJ Co-Leads Efforts for Improved Juvenile Sex Offender Legislation

CJJ, in partnership with the National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN) and a number of other organizations, is expanding its efforts to advocate for improved federal policies and practices as they relate to youth adjudicated as juvenile sex offenders.

To educate Congress about unintended consequences and missed opportunities, CJJ and NJJN are drafting two white papers that articulate ways that the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act and the U.S. Attorney General’s subsequent interpretation of the Walsh Act are harmful to youth and families, and do not contribute to public safety.

In addition, CJJ and NJJN are working with the National Juvenile Defender Center and the Association for the Treatment of Sex Abusers to inform research efforts at the national level that will help practitioners and public safety officials accurately determine treatment needs and distinguish effective treatment options for children and youth.

If you would like to contribute to these efforts, or be included on the Walsh Info Listserv, please send an e-mail to Tara Andrews, CJJ Deputy Executive Director, at [7] andrews@juvjustice.org.

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If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the CJJ Government Relations Committee or Government Relations Program, please contact committee chair Linda Hayes ([8] lhayes@harnettlaw.com), or CJJ deputy executive director Tara Andrews ([9] andrews@juvjustice.org and 202-467-0864, ext. 109).

CJJ Training News

From Mark Ferrante, Director of Leadership and Training Programs

An Update on CJJ Training and Programming

As this edition of the CJJ e-Monitor goes to press, I am wrapping up my second week as CJJ’s Director of Leadership and Training Programs. I am very excited to be here and to begin work on several key initiatives for the Coalition.

In the coming weeks, I will be reaching out to many of you (and hopefully you will be doing the same of me) on a variety of topics including:
Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. I can be reached at [10] ferrante@juvjustice.org or at 202-467-0864, ext. 102.

National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN) News

Upcoming Teleconference: Partnering with Protection and Advocacy Agencies to Promote Juvenile Justice Reform

The National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN), CJJ and the National Disability Rights Network will host a teleconference Thursday, October 4th, 2:00 – 3:00 EST.

Entitled “Partnering with Protection and Advocacy Agencies to Promote Juvenile Justice Reform,” the teleconference will explore the ways in which organizations that are working to reform their juvenile justice systems can partner with their state’s Protection and Advocacy Agency to enhance their efforts.

Every state has a designated Protection and Advocacy Agency (P&A) whose mission is to provide representation and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. In addition to providing direct representation, P&As have broad authority to advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities. They have federal statutory authority to access people with disabilities wherever they may be in order to monitor, do outreach and to conduct investigations. P&As initially look to partner with institutions to help them meet the needs of the individuals with disabilities within their care through staff training etc., but will also initiate or participate in litigation when necessary. Given the high numbers of youth in the juvenile justice system who have a disability (mental health, cognitive, developmental, physical, etc.), P&As are becoming more involved with providing advocacy in the juvenile justice system.

Attend this teleconference to find out where P&As are already doing work in the juvenile justice arena and to learn how you can best partner with your local P&A in your reform efforts.

Moderator: Sarah Bryer, NJJN

Presenters:
Please email [13] info@njjn.org for call-in information. If you are hearing impaired and would like to receive a transcript of this teleconference, please email [14] info@njjn.org in advance of the teleconference.

Youth Today Covers NJJN Policy Brief and Colorado SAG

The September edition of Youth Today quotes NJJN Executive Director Sarah Bryer and features the organization’s latest policy brief “Engaging Young People in Juvenile Justice Reform.” In the article, “Youth Voices in Juvenile Justice Reform,” advocates discuss efforts to involve adjudicated youth in justice reform. Says Bryer:
“It’s a critical thing … to involve young people who are directly affected by the system you’re trying to change […] Young people can sometimes make the most compelling cases for why things should be changed.”
The issue also profiles the Colorado State Advisory Group’s efforts to continually engage youth members and quotes SAG Chair Diane Van Voorhees on the success of one of their many efforts to attract and retain youth, the formation of a youth subcommittee that meets separately and oversees a grant-making program for local, youth-led programs:
"Giving them the responsibility [for the mini-grants] makes a huge difference. We’re not just saying, ‘It’s nice to have you sitting there.’ They’re taking it on.”
View a PDF excerpt of the September issue of Youth Today at [15] www.juvjustice.org/media/announcements/announcement_link_115.pdf.

Read the NJJN policy brief at [16] www.njjn.org/media/announcements/announcement_link_145.pdf.

Detention Reform News

From Mark Ferrante, Director of Leadership and Training Programs

SAG Leadership Guide for Detention Reform

CJJ is near completion of its SAG Leadership Guide for Detention Reform. In preparing to complete the guide, CJJ’s new Director of Leadership and Training Programs, Mark Ferrante, has reached out to Juvenile Justice Specialists from across the country asking the following three questions:
  1. Has your state written Detention Reform into its Three Year Plan? If so, have federal dollars been allocated?
  2. In addition to federal funding, is your state able to appropriate other resources toward detention reform?
  3. Has your state been able to demonstrate cost efficiencies (in creating alternatives to detention vs. incarceration)?
The SAG Guide, supported by a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, will also help you to answer other questions, such as: how to engage/convene key stakeholders at both the state and local levels; how to create and/or sustain a continuum of pre-dispositional options as alternatives to secure detention; and how to build capacity for data collection at the state and local level and evaluation of reform efforts.

If you have information to share in this regard or if you have questions about the SAG Guide, please e-mail Mark at [17] ferrante@juvjustice.org.

In Memoriam

Robert “Bob” Mardis

Robert Mardis passed away August 15. A leader with the Indiana State Advisory Group, the FAC-JJ and on a host of other boards, task forces and community projects, he was also the 2002 recipient of the CJJ A. L. Carlisle Child Advocacy Award. Below are two of many remembrances from the CJJ community.

Contributed by Linda Hayes, North Carolina State Advisory Group member and Chair of the CJJ Government Relations Committee and 1999 CJJ National Chair

When I hear the words – humility, character, courageous, witty, sportsmanship, friend – they all make me think of Bob Mardis. Through our many associations over the years with the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, our shared love for all sports but particularly the Tar Heels, he and wife JoAnn’s visits to our state to watch their grandson Matt play basketball at Campbell University (8 miles from our home), the sharing of many meals together, the philosophical talks and the early dinners together, he has always been a shining example to me of a true mentor to everyone with whom he came in contact.

The first time I ever remember Bob he had on a beautiful sweater that complimented his white hair and dancing eyes. I told him what a great outfit he had on and he quickly replied, “the credit goes to my wife because she always packs for me.” He was always the neatest man who never had a negative word to say about or to anyone in my presence. His love for his family and other families was evidenced by all his years of service to Indiana in the juvenile justice field. In awarding him the A. L. Carlisle Award for his many years of service the statement was made, “Bob Mardis is the truest and most loyal friend that youth could ever hope to have.” What a great man and what a friend we have all lost.

Linda Hayes

Contributed by the Honorable Michael Mayer, Minnesota State Advisory Group member and CJJ Midwest Region Chair

It is with a tremendous amount of sadness that I advise the juvenile justice community of the death of Robert “Bob” Mardis.

Sometimes bad news is greeted with a sense of determined resignation … some, however, punches you in the stomach so hard that you can’t even comprehend what you are hearing or how difficult it will be to adjust. When I called Bob’s home to encourage his attendance at the CJJ Board Meeting in Denver, I was greeted with one of the hardest “stomach punches” I have ever encountered. His wife told me Bob had died the day before my call. She was brave and stoic in providing the details of his illness and passing. He died from cancer that had spread throughout his body. He fought it bravely and was hoping and planning to attend the Denver meeting. The phone at their home was ringing off the hook with calls from friends and colleagues. She was being comforted by the ever growing swell of condolences and the outpouring of stories about Bob and how he impacted people’s lives.

Bob was a gentleman’s gentleman. He was always a voice of reason and compromise. He had an amazing ability to see through the smoke and put his finger on the core issue that needed to be discussed or resolved. He never let anger or emotion cloud his judgment and he had an amazing ability to get those who were arguing based on anger or emotion to calm down and discuss things rationally. His opinions were kept to himself and I cannot recall even one instance of him criticizing anyone.

Bob was the Midwest Chair when I first joined forces with CJJ. Although he was doing a great job representing our region, he graciously insisted on stepping down to allow someone younger to take his spot. He left huge shoes to fill and, in retrospect, I have not even come close to filling them. I’m pretty sure it can’t be done.

As I sit here writing this tribute, I keep seeing Bob’s smiling face, his gray suit and his always happy demeanor. I hear his voice and remember how he was always interested in what was going on at home with our families and friends. I remember his passion for basketball and his dedication to Bobby Knight and Indiana basketball! I remember a kind and gentle man who would give his last dollar to help out a friend and a man who dedicated every aspect of his life to helping children. The world could use an army of Bob Mardis’.

Bob will be greatly missed and all of us associated with CJJ and our state advisory groups were extremely lucky to have had Bob in our lives.

Michael Mayer

George Yefchak

George Yefchak passed away August 28. He was chair of the New Jersey State Advisory Group and made many contributions to CJJ as a committee member. He was also a leader with the FAC-JJ and a senior director for the Kintock Group. Below are two of many remembrances from the CJJ community.

Contributed by the Honorable B. Thomas Leahy, former New Jersey SAG Chair and 2001 CJJ National Chair

The New Jersey Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee and New Jersey’s delinquent youth suffered a great loss with the passing of George Yefchak.

George was a giver – a generous giver of himself, his time and his energy. He served his community on the Board of Education and on the Planning Board but his obvious core dedication was to troubled youth. His professional career in juvenile corrections, on the state Parole Board and as the ombudsman for those in the juvenile justice system manifested that.

During the last years of my service as Chairperson of the New Jersey SAG, George served as the SAG’s elected Vice-Chairperson. When a situation arose where someone was, in my estimation, being totally irrational and using their influence or authority to try and twist the system to achieve an unfair result and my first reaction was to resort to “gunboat diplomacy,” it was George who interjected a calm, reasonable approach and led us to resolve matters peacefully but appropriately. He caused us to reach the right result without leaving scars that might never heal.

His wise and quiet good sense will be missed. His contributions to the welfare of court involved youth were great. His dedication to our cause can never be replaced.

B. Thomas Leahy

Contributed by Mark Ferrante, CJJ Director of Leadership and Training Programs and former New Jersey Juvenile Justice Specialist and National Juvenile Justice Specialist Representative

There always seems to be one person in a group who has the ear of the other members. The one to whom the group looks for leadership, guidance and pragmatism. For the New Jersey SAG, that person was George Yefchak.

When I first came to be New Jersey’s Juvenile Justice Specialist, George was serving both as a member of the SAG and as ombudsman for the State’s Juvenile Justice Commission. From the beginning, George was supportive of my role and vision for the SAG, which came at a time of much change for the state agency and the SAG.

As George first moved into the role of Vice-Chairperson and then as Acting Chairperson in 2006, he and I became closer as we worked through issues and problems in carrying out the business of the SAG. George always had a thoughtful way of approaching an issue so that a resolution satisfactory to all parties involved could be achieved. It’s not cliché to say George was the voice of reason in many a heated discussion of how best to move forward on a particular issue.

I was looking forward to continuing to work with George in my new role at CJJ. I knew he would continue to provide leadership and direction to the future work of the SAG. I will miss his sensibility, his steadying influence and his trust. He was a consummate professional and a friend.

Mark Ferrante

Resources and Information of Note

FACJJ Releases 2007 Annual Report to the President and Congress

The Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice (FACJJ) has made its 2007 Annual Report to the President and Congress available online. The report offers 15 recommendations that focus on reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA), the need to amend the JJDPA to improve juvenile justice and the need to address critical issues confronting the states’ juvenile justice systems. The first recommendation reads:
FACJJ recommends that the President and Congress show their support for the nation’s youth (especially those at risk) by reauthorizing the JJDP Act in 2007, the year in which it is due to be reauthorized. As the issues discussed throughout this annual report illustrate, it is crucial that the country’s policymakers act judiciously and swiftly to ensure that juvenile justice is not relegated to the legislative backburner.
Along with reauthorization, the report addresses disproportionate minority contact (DMC), alternatives to detention, and judicial discretion when applying sex offender registration and public notification laws to juveniles, among other topics.

For the full report, visit [18] www.facjj.org/annualreports.html.

2007 OJJDP/SRAD Joint Training Conference and DMC Conference with DSG

The 2007 OJJDP/SRAD Joint Training Conference will take place October 22-24, 2007 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Denver, CO and will be followed by a DMC Conference October 25-27, 2007.

The DMC Conference agenda includes workshops on cultural competency, electronic tools for comparing DMC data, connecting with Latino youth and families, tribal criminal history record improvement, strengthening community-wide linkages, reducing recidivism in Asian gang-involved juvenile offenders and more. To view an up-to-date agenda, contact Development Services Group (DSG), OJJDP's Contractor for both conferences, via Joseph Fedeli at [19] jfedeli@dsgonline.com or 301-951-5376.

Per DSG, The OJJDP/SRAD Joint Training Conference will feature several trainings for State Advisory Group (SAG) members and Juvenile Justice Specialists:

New Member and Refresher State Advisory Group (SAG) Training: New or returning SAG members, who come together to share special knowledge, visions, and experience with other members of your juvenile justice field, know the importance of understanding their important role as SAG members. In this training, participants will gain the knowledge of a SAG member’s roles and responsibilities, the four Core Requirements, funding stream resources, and how SAGs and their subcommittees can work collaboratively to effectively meet the challenges of their state’s juvenile justice needs.

Advanced SAG Member Training: This session is designed for State Advisory Group (SAG) members who want to gain a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of SAGs and who are seeking ways and ideas to help make their SAGs operate more effectively and efficiently. Areas covered in this workshop include: reviewing the specific roles and responsibilities and how to assume and carry them out successfully; convening and running effective meetings including subcommittees; achieving and maintaining a successful level of attendance at the meetings; developing and improving by-laws; recruiting and retaining youth members; effectively engaging and involving SAG members in developing the Three-Year Plan; and accessing resources and technical assistance.

New Juvenile Justice Specialists Training: The new Juvenile Justice Specialists Training will help define and articulate the role of the Juvenile Justice Specialist and help state staff gain a better understanding of their responsibility in working with OJJDP. This session will review the parameters of the following grant programs: Title II-Part B Formula Grants Program, Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program, Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Grant Program, and the Title V Community Prevention Grants Program. In addition, state staff will review the Core Requirements of the JJDPA. Staff will be provided with an overview on how to use the GMS and the GIS requirements. This session will also review the Performance Measures reporting requirements for each grant program.

Equity Project Asks for Survey Responses

Legal Services for Children, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the National Juvenile Defender Center are working in collaboration on the Equity Project, a national initiative to examine how lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are treated in delinquency and status offense cases. (To learn more about the Equity Project, please visit [20] www.equityproject.org.)

One of the Equity Project’s core activities is the collection of information from juvenile court practitioners (i.e., defenders, prosecutors, judges, probation officers, and detention staff) about the experiences of LGBT youth in juvenile delinquency courts. If you are a juvenile court practitioner, the Equity Project would greatly appreciate hearing about your experiences and observations.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Equity Project’s on-line survey by visiting [21] www.equityproject.org/survey.php. Individual responses will be kept confidential. The information provided will contribute to a report with recommendations about the treatment and court processing of LGBT youth. To complete a paper version of this survey, contact Katayoon Majd at [22] kmajd@njdc.info. Also, please direct individual LGBT youth who may be interested in talking with the Equity Project confidentially about their experiences with delinquency courts to Jody Marksamer at [23] jmarksamer@nclrights.org.

Colorado Establishes Juvenile Clemency Board

Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado has established a Juvenile Clemency Advisory Board to review clemency and commutation requests by juveniles who were tried as adults and sentenced to state prison. The seven-member Board will review petitions for commutation at the request of the Governor and consider several factors when making decisions, including:
In a press release, Gov. Ritter noted, “As a former prosecutor, protecting the people of Colorado and ensuring the fair administration of justice are extremely important to me. We can further those goals by subjecting our criminal justice system – including the punishment of juvenile offenders who were tried, convicted and sentenced as adults – to regular review and scrutiny. This Juvenile Clemency Board will bring an added level of expertise to the review process and help ensure that the interests of justice are served in cases where juveniles are tried and sentenced as adults.”

For more information on the Board, visit [24] www.colorado.gov/governor/press/
[25] august07/juvenile-clemency-board.html.

JPI Releases First in New Policy Brief Series on Public Safety

The Justice Policy Institute (JPI) has released the first in a new four-part series of policy briefs on public safety. The first brief, “Education and Public Safety,” finds that states that invest more in education have lower rates of violent crime and incarceration. Upcoming briefs will address the intersection of policies on housing, employment and drug treatment on safety and crime rates.

Read the first brief at [26] www.justicepolicy.org/content.php?hmID=1811&smID=1581&ssmID=61.

APA Report Finds Zero Tolerance Policies Ineffective, Recommends Restorative Justice

The American Psychological Association (APA) has issued “Are Zero Tolerance Policies Effective in the Schools? An Evidentiary Review and Recommendations.” The report finds that zero tolerance policies in U.S. school districts have not been effective in reducing violence or promoting learning in school and recommends alternative methods such as restorative justice.

Read the full report at [27] www.apa.org/ed/cpse/zttfreport.pdf.

NPR Features Story on Juvenile Crime Decrease in New Orleans

On August 30, National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” featured a story on lowered juvenile crime in New Orleans, LA. Following Hurricane Katrina, judges and others saw an opportunity to reform the city’s previously troubled juvenile justice system. Among other reforms, they instituted a house arrest program, youth advocates and mental health liaisons.

Listen to the entire program at [28] www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14045382.

Four Governors Discuss Juvenile Justice in Christian Science Monitor

The August 22 edition of the Christian Science Monitor features commentary from the governors of Illinois, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Washington, the four states participating in the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Models for Change Initiative (see [29] www.modelsforchange.net).

Entitled “Better Models for Juvenile Justice,” the article notes that crime rates are at near 30-year lows and details advances in each of the four states, noting that:
Juvenile justice is returning to its founding principles of protection, treatment, and rehabilitation, while embracing the equally important principles of accountability and public safety.
Read the entire article at [30] www.csmonitor.com/2007/0822/p09s01-coop.html.

Job Openings: Center for Children’s Law and Policy and Justice Policy Institute

Center for Children’s Law and Policy (CCLP) – CCLP seeks a person with experience in addressing racial and ethnic disparities affecting youth in the juvenile justice system to work on Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) reduction efforts and other juvenile justice reforms in sites across the United States. CCLP is a nonprofit public interest law and policy organization that works on reform of juvenile justice and other systems that affect troubled and at-risk children, and protection of the rights of children in such systems. This position will focus on reducing DMC in a number of jurisdictions as part of the MacArthur Foundation’s Models for Change initiative. Closing date for applications is October 1, 2007. For more information, visit [31] www.cclp.org/simple.php/jobs_and_internships.

Justice Policy Institute (JPI) – JPI seeks a dedicated and experienced Executive Director to move the organization forward. Candidates must be committed to and respect JPI’s historic mission, and understand the organization's place within the larger field working for more sensible sentencing and correctional policies, and juvenile justice reform, have a background in juvenile and criminal justice research, understand and have implemented research and communications strategies to achieve policy reform goals, and know how to harness both research and communications strategies to support policy reform. Specific responsibilities include: project oversight and project management, research and public administration, communication and public relations, fundraising and budgetary responsibilities, and personnel, board and organizational development. For more information, visit [32] www.justicepolicy.org/content.php?hmID=1810&smID=1546.

The CJJ e-Monitor is brought to you by staff and volunteer leaders of CJJ, and supported by membership fees paid by CJJ’s State Advisory Group members, Members at Large and Allies. We are grateful to all for their ongoing support.

The CJJ e-Monitor is distributed in the first week of every month. To submit items for publication, e-mail Kitty McCarthy at [33] mccarthy@juvjustice.org. Items must be submitted two weeks prior to the first of the month for consideration. Inclusion and editing of submissions are subject to CJJ editorial guidelines.

To electronically subscribe or unsubscribe to the CJJ e-Monitor, please send a request with your name and contact information to[34] info@juvjustice.org.

— Robin Jenkins, 2007 CJJ National Chair
— Kitty McCarthy, Editor

[1]: mailto:rjenkins@cccommunicare.org
[2]: mailto:mccarthy@juvjustice.org
[3]: mailto:plawrence@courts.state.nh.us
[4]: mailto:info@juvjustice.org
[5]: http://www.act4jj.org/get_involved.html
[6]: http://www.act4jj.org
[7]: mailto:andrews@juvjustice.org
[8]: mailto:lhayes@harnettlaw.com
[9]: mailto:andrews@juvjustice.org
[10]: mailto:ferrante@juvjustice.org
[11]: http://www.napas.org
[12]: http://www.centerforpublicrep.org
[13]: mailto:info@njjn.org
[14]: mailto:info@njjn.org
[15]: http://www.juvjustice.org/media/announcements/announcement_link_115.pdf
[16]: http://njjn.org/media/announcements/announcement_link_145.pdf
[17]: mailto:ferrante@juvjustice.org
[18]: http://www.facjj.org/annualreports.html
[19]: mailto:jfedeli@dsgonline.com
[20]: http://www.equityproject.org
[21]: http://www.equityproject.org/survey.php
[22]: mailto:kmajd@njdc.info
[23]: mailto:jmarksamer@nclrights.org
[24]: http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/august07/juvenile-clemency-board.html
[25]: http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/august07/juvenile-clemency-board.html
[26]: http://www.justicepolicy.org/content.php?hmID=1811&smID=1581&ssmID=61
[27]: http://www.apa.org/ed/cpse/zttfreport.pdf
[28]: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14045382
[29]: http://www.modelsforchange.net
[30]: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0822/p09s01-coop.html
[31]: http://www.cclp.org/simple.php/jobs_and_internships
[32]: http://www.justicepolicy.org/content.php?hmID=1810&smID=1546
[33]: mailto:mccarthy@juvjustice.org
[34]: mailto:info@juvjustice.org

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