Past Webinars and Trainings

CJJ offers numerous training and technical assistance opportunities at national and regional conferences, during webinars and live chats, and through technical assistance programs. Included below are resources and materials from webinars we have completed in 2016 and 2017. You can access our webinar archive for the webinars held in 20132014, and 2015.


Engaging Policymakers: How Youth Advocates are Leading State Juvenile Justice Reform

Engaging policymakers, advocating for legislative changes, and reforming systems can be difficult, especially when there are significant barriers including incarceration. While at Green Hill School, a state-run detention facility in Washington, a group of young men have played an integral role in state juvenile justice reform. Since March 2018, this group of young men has helped pass bills that extend juvenile court jurisdiction to age 25, remove the auto-decline requirement, phase out the placement of youth charged with status offenses in detention facilities, and increase the use of community-based alternatives and enrichment opportunities in place of confinement. 

During this webinar, Green Hill School presented their impressive story of engagement with policymakers in Washington State and how they were able to effect change. Attendees learned about the importance of advocacy within the juvenile justice system and how State Advisory Groups and adult partners can support youth advocates, especially those currently involved in the system. 

Presenters: 
Aaron Toleafoa, Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) Chair, Coalition for Juvenile Justice; Member, Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice
Edgar Calixto, Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) Member, Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Rodney Strickland, Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) Member, Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Ron Ackerson, Emerging Leaders Committee (ELC) Member, Coalition for Juvenile Justice

From Prison Walls to College Halls: Achieving Success in the Face of Adversity

Join author, Hameen Shabazz on a journey from hopelessness to hopefulness as he bestows a holistic and inner personal approach to the youth justice system, foster care, and transitioning through America’s re-entry programs. The journey, words, trials, and triumphs Hameen Shabazz shares to disentangling professional and personal issues divulges a systemic blue print to a successful life after incarceration. 

Presenter:
Hameen Shabazz, Founder, Project NAS

A Healing-Centered Vision for Youth, Families, and Communities

Healing ourselves emotionally and mentally is not as easy as it sounds, and at times we neglect to acknowledge the importance of incorporating a healing approach in our everyday lives (school, work, home, etc.). The healing-centered vision, adopted by Healing Ninjas, allows us to come to terms with events and circumstances which have occurred in our lives, and to overcome the barriers of mental illness--one person, one family, and one community at a time.

Healing Ninjas is an online community platform highlighting the stories of individuals who are seeking to master the art of healing. Join the founder of Healing Ninjas and two Community Activists to learn more about the healing-centered vision and how, as individuals and professionals, we can influence those we work with to become a person who excels in a particular skill or activity--in other words, to become a NINJA.

Presenters:

Hernan Carvente-Martinez, Founder & CEO, Healing Ninjas
Iliana Pujols, Director of Community Connections, Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance
Abdul Ali, Communtiy Organizer, Maine Youth Justice

New Toolkit: Accelerating Collaboration Between Youth Homelessness Providers & Youth Policing, Court, Probation, and Incarceration Systems

Join NN4Y, Project Oz, and the Link to learn about the latest publication (Transforming Systems) and the top six steps a community should take to build an effective relationship between youth homelessness services and the youth court system:

  • Open the lines of communication to begin to build a positive and strong relationship.  
  • Include court and probation system partners in your collaborative community and state work to prevent and end youth homelessness.
  • Center youth and young adults with lived experiences of homelessness, placing an emphasis on BIYOC and LGBTQIA young people.
  • Identify the top challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Be honest.  
  • Set clear goals and be persistent in achieving them.      
  • Evaluate progress towards goals and reaffirm or create new goals at least every six months. 

Presenters:
Darla Bardine, Executive Director, National Network for Youth 
Lisa Thompson, Exective Director, Project Oz
Beth Holger, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), The Link
Kee Cooper, Youth Leader, National Network for Youth

Building Brighter Tomorrows: A Vision for Youth Justice in 2021 and Beyond

As we move into a new year, a new Congress, and a new Administration, join us for a conversation about top priorities in youth advocacy for 2021 and beyond. Learn how advocates are hoping to reshape and improve service provision for young people in the justice system, child welfare system, and those experiencing homelessness. 

Presenters:

Pastor Edward Palmer, National Chair, Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Melissa Goemann, Senior Policy Counsel, National Juvenile Justice Network
Jennifer Pokempner, Senior Attorney, Juvenile Law Center

Girls of Color and the Abuse to Prison Pipeline

Events this year have led to an increased focus on the impact of the legal system on communities of color. However, not enough of this discourse addresses the unique experiences of girls of color. In this webinar, Cherice Hopkins and Rebecca Burney from Rights4Girls will examine (1) racial and ethnic disparities of girls in the system, (2) how social attitudes towards girls, especially girls of color, contribute to their being criminalized for their own abuse, and (3) effective strategies and promising practices to prevent girls of color from experiencing the abuse to prison pipeline.  

Presenters:

Cherice Hopkins, Attorney, Rights4Girls
Rebecca Burney, Attorney and Youth Advocate Coordinator, Rights4Girls

Authentic Youth-Adult Partnership in Juvenile Justice

On September 17th, Laura Furr and CJJ's ELC Chair Aaron Toleafoa conducted a webinar on the importance of youth-adult partnerships in youth justice. Many SAGs, along with juvenile justice agencies and other collaborative bodies, continue to strive toward unmet goals for building an authentic, sustainable youth-adult partnership. Laura and Aaron shared principles, models, and concrete best practices of youth-adult partnership, as well as opportunities for further learning. 

Presenter: 
Laura Furr, Owner, Laura Furr Consulting 
Aaron Toleafoa, Emerging Leader Committee Chair, Coalition for Juvenile Justice

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation 


The Intersectionality of Communication Disorders and Justice-Involved Youth

On August 20, 2020, Dr. Shameka Stanford discussed the intersectionality of Cognitive and Communication Disorders and youth's involvement with the justice system, from school to confinement. The presentation detailed how communication and cognitive disorders can impact all critical points in the youth's life and result in unfavorable outcomes as well as how communication disorders are sometimes confused, overlooked, and disregarded as "negative" behavior in justice-involved youth (from the initial hearing through post-disposition). Dr. Stanford explored the limitations and risks that communication and cognitive disorders can manifest and briefly discussed strategies for juvenile justice professionals who are in contact with this population of youth.

Presenter: 
Shameka Stanford, Ph.D., CCC-SLP/L, Associate Professor - Communication Sciences & Disorders, Juvenile Forensics Speech-Language Pathologist, CSD Social Justice Specialist 

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Police Free Schools: Investing in Our Youth

Research shows that for many students, especially Black and Brown youth, the presence of police in their schools has proven to be harmful and dramatically disrupts learning environments. Nationwide, 14 million students are in schools with police officers but no counselor, nurse, psychologist, or social worker. Additionally, students of color are disproportionately arrested in school compared to white students, fueling the school-to-prison-pipeline. 

On July 22, 2020, the Education Justice Alliance, located in Raleigh, North Carolina and a member of the Dignity in Schools Campaign, shared ways to safely remove police officers from schools and reinvest in youth by funding support staff, such as school psychologists, mental health therapists, school counselors, and nurses. This webinar provided the historical context of school resource officers and the specific impact on the criminalization of Black and Brown youth, illustrated how to safely have police free schools, and provided local examples of communities that have invested in alternatives to policing at school.

Presenters: 
Letha Muhammad, Director, Education Justice Alliance 
Fernando Martinez, Director of Organizing, Education Justice Alliance 

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Quarantined and Confined: Supporting Incarcerated Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

It is essential that we keep in mind the impact that the stress and uncertainty of COVID-19 may have on young people, including those who are at risk of becoming involved with the justice system, or who are already involved with the justice system, particularly those who are locked behind bars. As we advocate for as many young people as possible to return home, we know there are still a number of young people who are left behind and who may need help dealing with the anxiety of the current moment. 

On May 6, 2020, licensed psychologist, Christine Gerchow, Ph.D., discussed practices youth and staff can apply in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic (and really, anytime!). Dr. Gerchow's presentation drew from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and integrated meditation and non-meditation based mindfulness techniques as well as relationship nurturing activities.

Presenter:
Dr. Chrstine Gerchow, Founder and Director, Frontline Psychological Services & Wellness. 

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


State Advisory Group 101

For more than three decades, juvenile justice State Advisory Groups (SAGs) have played a critical role in improving juvenile justice systems at the state and local level. These groups, also known as Juvenile Justice Advisory Committees and Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups, were first established through the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) the country’s seminal legislation related to juvenile justice. On April 30, 2020, Naomi Smoot Evans and Stacie Nelson Colling discussed the history, purpose, and responsibilities of SAGs. Participants gained insights on the importance of SAGs and how members can have positive impacts on youth justice. 

Presenters: 
Naomi Smoot-Evans, Executive Director, Coalition for Juvenile Justice 
Stacie Nelson Colling, Western Region Chair, Coalition for Juvenile Justice 

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.


Getting The Word Out: Community-Based Efforts to Enhance Awareness of Racial and Ethnic Disparities 

On February 27, 2020, William Jernigan and Sheila Foster provided Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinators with valuable information on ways to incorporate community-based efforts and specific engagement strategies that can improve awareness of racial and ethnic disparities. Participants gained potential community-based strategies and learned tips on ways to engage key stakeholders that are vital for racial and ethnic disparities reduction efforts. 

Presenters:
William Jernigan, Maryland Statewide Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator 
Sheila Foster, Arkansas Statewide Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator 

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Family First Prevention Services Act and Juvenile Justice

Youth involved in child welfare systems are more likely to experience justice system involvement, particularly youth placed in group care, who face a 2.5 times greater risk of delinquency charges.

The Family First Prevention Services Act as passed as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (H.R. 1892). Family First makes changes to how funding under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act (the most significant federal funding stream for child welfare) may be used with the goals of encouraging greater use of preventative services and discouraging the inappropriate use of group care. 

On January 23, 2020, Lisa Pilnik and Lisette Burton discussed the implications of the Family First Prevention Services Act on juvenile justice as well as how juvenile justice advocates and State Advisory Groups can support efforts to achieve better outcomes for youth while guarding against potential unintended consequences.

Presenters: 
Lisa Pilnik, Senior Consultant, Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Lisette Burton, Vice President, National Advocacy and Public Policy, Boys Town; Member, DC Juvenile Justice Advisory Group

Click here for the Powerpoint presentation.



Understanding the JJDPA Webinar Series 

In December 2018, lawmakers reauthorized the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act for the first time in 16 years, providing key updates to strengthen the Act's core protections for justice-involved youth. Over the course of 2019, CJJ took an in-depth look at the changes H.R. 6964 made to the Act through a ten-part webinar series. Webinar descriptions and slide decks are available below. Webinar recordings are available for CJJ members. To receive a copy of the recording, please contact info@juvjustice.org. To become a CJJ member, click here.

Rules of Engagement: Sustaining Youth Collaboration in Programs and State Advisory Groups

Part 10 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Youth collaboration has been a central tenet of juvenile justice work for more than 40 years. The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) has long required that one-fifth of each State Advisory Group (SAG)’s members be young people.  

Youth voice, especially that of individuals with lived expertise in the justice system and related systems, is critical to meaningful system improvement. The development of policies happens best when agencies involve those who are directly impacted.  

On December 12, Aaron Toleafoa and Gordon McHenry Jr. shared their insights of youth/adult partnerships, discussed the challenges of youth collaboration, offered solutions to those challenges, and provided tips to ensure young people play a vital role in shaping advocacy initiatives, policy recommendations, and organizational goals.

Presenters: 
Aaron Toleafoa, Emerging Leaders Committee Chair, Coalition for Juvenile Justice 
Gordon McHenry, Jr., Chair, Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice; President & CEO, United Way of King County
Laura Armstrong, Policy and Field Relations Associate, Coalition for Juvenile Justice

Click here for the Powerpoint presentation.

Ensuring Equity: LGBQ/GNCT Youth and the Juvenile Justice System 

Part 9 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning, gender nonconforming and transgender (LGBQ/GNCT) youth are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system. Nationwide, 7-9% of youth identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, however, 20% of youth incarcerated identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Additionally, about 40% of girls incarcerated identify as such. LGBQ/GNCT youth have less protective and more risk factors than their heterosexual and cisgender peers.  

Ceres Policy Research is currently leading a national initiative that trains youth justice jurisdictions on how to incorporate questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression into their case management systems.  They have trained multiple sites in Ohio, New York, and Connecticut. 

On November 13th, presenters shared new data about the LGBQ/GNCT youth involved in these juvenile justice systems, identifying the specific locations in the system where they are the most overrepresented. Attendees learned about the intersection of juvenile justice and youth who identify as LGBQ/GNCT, successful state and local programs that address this population, and how provisions in the JJDPA should be applied in an equitable way for all youth.

Presenters: 
Dr. Angela Irvine, Principal, Ceres Policy Research
Aisha Canfield, Director, Ceres Policy Research

Click here for the Powerpoint presentation.


Understanding the JJDPA: Enhancing System Partnerships for Successful Educational Reentry 

Part 8 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Large numbers of youth are pushed out of schools and into the justice system fueling inequalities based on race, gender, perceived sexual orientation, and disability. Additionally, system-involved youth do not have the same access to quality education as their non-incarcerated peers. The 2018 reauthorization of the JJDPA includes important new protections for youth in the juvenile justice system to support their reentry to school, including timely transfers of education records, partial or full credit for coursework completed while in custody, and ensuring those credits count towards high school graduation. On October 23rd, presenters discussed the JJDPA and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) educational requirements for youth involved in the justice system and provided examples of state programs that have successful educational reentry programs. 

Presenters: 
Reynelle Brown Staley, Policy Director, Education Law Center
Nadia Mozaffar, Staff Attorney, Juvenile Law Center 

Click here for the Powerpoint presentation.


Reentry Planning: Supporting Youth as They Transition Back to Their Community

Part 7 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system can experience numerous barriers when transitioning back into their communities, including obtaining employment; securing stable, safe and affordable housing; and transferring school credits. The 2018 reauthorization of the JJDPA sets out, for the first time, language related to reentry plans for youth who are returning to the community. On August 15, presenters discussed the new JJDPA reentry requirements, how states can work with youth, families, schools, businesses and community-based organizations when planning for reentry, and provided examples of successful programs.

Presenters:
Andrew Palomo, Director of Community Strategies, National Network for Youth
Lisa Pilnik, Senior Advisor, Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Ruth Rovezzi, Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Department of Youth Services, Massachusetts

Click here for the Powerpoint presentation.


Understanding the JJDPA: Girls and Sexually Exploited Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Part 6 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Girls are disproportionately involved in the justice system for offenses that present little or no threat to public safety. The vast majority of girls who enter the justice system have experienced trauma, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. For almost three decades, the JJDPA has required states to develop gender-specific policies for their juvenile justice system. The 2018 reauthorization expands upon those requirements, including eliminating the use of restraints on known pregnant youth and providing alternatives to detention for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. On July 11th, Dr. Washington and Cherice Hopkins discussed the changes in H.R. 6964 that affect girls and sexually exploited youth in the justice system and how states can continue to work towards addressing the unique needs of this population.

Presenters: 
K. Shakira Washington, Ph.D., MPA, Vice President, National Crittenton
Cherice Hopkins, Staff Attorney, Rights4Girls

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Shifting from Disproportionate Minority Contact to Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Part 5 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Under the JJDPA, states are required to assess and address racial and ethnic disparities at key points in the juvenile justice system – from arrest to detention to confinement. Studies indicate that youth of color receive tougher sentences and are more likely to be incarcerated than white youth for the same offenses. With youth of color comprising one-third of the youth population but two-thirds of youth in contact with the juvenile justice system, this provision requires states and local jurisdictions to create action plans to address disparities within their systems. On May 16, Naomi Smoot, Craig Hargrow, and Trista Dame discussed how states can shift from Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) to Racial and Ethnic Disparities, and provided examples of how states are addressing racial and ethnic disparities. 

Presenters: 
Craig Hargrow, CJJ National DMC Coordinator, Deputy Executive Director of Juvenile Justice/Second Look, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth
Trista Deame, Race Equity Coordinator, Office of Youth Justice, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Naomi Smoot, Executive Director, Coalition for Juvenile Justice

Click here for the PowerPoint Presentation. 


Sight and Sound Separation and Adult Jail Removal

Part 4 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Research shows youth confined in adult jails and lockups are more likely to come back into contact with the system and that, while confined, are at high risk for suffering assault and committing suicide. On April 18, Rachel Marshall and Neelum Arya explained how the 2018 JJDPA Reauthorization extends the jail removal and sight and sound core requirements, the strategies states are using to ensure youth are not placed in and removed from adult facilities, and policy recommendations moving forward. This webinar discussed Neelum's recent report Getting to Zero: A 50-State Study of Strategies to Remove Youth from Adult Jails

Presenters: 
Rachel Marshall, Federal Policy Counsel, Campaign for Youth Justice
Neelum Arya, Author, Getting to Zero: A 50-State Study of Strategies to Remove Youth from Adult Jails

Click here for the PowerPoint Presentation. 


Status Offenses and Valid Court Orders

Part 3 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

On March 21,  Meg Williams and Diane Fox discussed research that was conducted in Colorado to better understand the outcomes for truants who have been detained and the action steps the Division of Criminal Justice and the JJDP Council (State Advisory Group) have taken to change their state policies. Additionally, Naomi Smoot and Lisa Pilnik addressed the changes to the Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) core protection and the additional requirements for the VCO exception under H.R. 6964, as well as best practices for addressing status offense behaviors.

Presenters: 
Diane Fox, Principle, Infinite Frontier Consulting, LLC
Lisa Pilnik, Senior Consultant, Coalition for Juvenile Justice 
Naomi Smoot, Executive Director, Coalition for Juvenile Justice 
Meg Williams, Juvenile Justice Specialist, Colorado

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Developing State and Tribal Partnerships

Part 2 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

The reauthorization of the JJDPA includes a requirement for State Advisory Groups to include membership from a Tribal representative in states where Indian Tribes are located.  This new requirement highlights the importance of developing collaborative partnerships between states and Tribes. On February 21, Alan Miller and Will Edmo discussed the critical issues in relationship-building between state and Tribal governments and shared their insights on the partnerships built in Idaho. 

Presenters: 
Alan Miller, Juvenile Justice Specialist & DMC Coordinator, Idaho 
Will Edmo III, Tribal Public Defender, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


What's Next: H. 6964 and the Reauthorization of JJDPA

Part 1 of Understanding the JJDPA: A Webinar Series on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

For the first time in 16 years, Congress has updated and reauthorized the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. On January 29, lead advocates provided an overview of what's included in H.R. 6964, and how it changes the Act's core requirements. 

Presenters: 
Naomi Smoot, Executive Director, Coalition for Juvenile Justice and Co-Chair of Act4JJ
Marcy Mistrett, CEO, Campaign for Youth Justice and Co-Chair of Act4JJ
Rachel Marshall, Policy Counsel, Campaign for Youth Justice

Click here for a recording of this webinar and here for the PowerPoint presentation. 

For additional resources and more tool to help understand H.R. 6964, visit CJJ and Act4JJ resource pages. 



Debtor's Prison for Kids: Fines and Fees in the Juvenile Justice System

Approximately 1 million youth appear in juvenile court in the United States each year. In every state youth and their families face a myriad of different legal costs including fees, fines, and restitution. One particularly problematic cost is the cost of court-appointed counsel--40 states have laws requiring children or their parents to pay for appointed counsel, in some cases even if they have been found indigent. On January 22, the Juvenile Law Center provided background on the types of costs youth face in the juvenile justice system, highlighting the cost of court-appointed legal assistance, the long-term financial and legal consequences of such costs, and reform efforts that can ensure all kids have access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances. 

Presenters include: 
Jessica Feierman, Senior Director, Juvenile Law Center 
Nadia Mozaffar, Staff Attorney, Juvenile Law Center 
Marcía Hopkins, Senior Manager, Youth Advocacy Programs and Policy, Juvenile Law Center 
Shyara Hill, Intern, Youth Advocacy Program, Juvenile Law Center 

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Addressing the Intersection of Juvenile Justice and the Opioid Epidemic with Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

On December 12, Lori Moore and Logan Greenspan of MST Services discussed the intersection of the opioid epidemic with the juvenile justice and child protective systems and how prevention strategies and clinically proven interventions, such as Multisystemic Therapy (MST), can work together to help reduce substance abuse among youth and caregivers. 

Presenters include: 

Lori Moore, Vice President and Manager of Network Partnership of MST Services
Logan Greenspan, Managing Director of MST Services

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Emerging Leaders Present: Adolescent Brain Development

This webinar was part of the ongoing series featuring members of CJJ’s Emerging Leaders Committee

On November 7, Nicholas Turco, a member of CJJ’s 2018 Emerging Leaders Committee, discussed his personal research on how trauma affects adolescent brain development. He explained the development of a young person's brain, how trauma affects the developing brain, and his ideas on how to support youth who have survived complex trauma and help them transition out of the juvenile justice system. 

Presenters include: 
Nicholas Turco, Member of CJJ's Emerging Leaders Committee

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.


Measuring Educational Opportunity in Juvenile Justice Schools

Education programs in secure facilities are not as good as they need to be, and many systems do not have strong data collection practices in place to inform strong policy and program decision-making. On October 31, Hailly T. N. Korman and Max Marchitello of Bellwether Education Partners provided an overview of their new report, Measuring Educational Opportunity in Juvenile Justice Schools. This report is a first-of-its-kind comprehensive analysis of education data for juvenile justice facilities in every state. This webinar addressed the research methods, the conclusions reached, and the known limitations of the existing data, as well as the future of this data collection and analysis. 

Presenters: 

Hailly T. N. Korman, Senior Associate Partner of Bellwether Education Partners

Max Marchitello, Senior Analyst of Bellwether Education Partners


Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.


Advocating for Trafficked Girls by Disrupting the Abuse to Prison Pipeline

On September 26, Cherice Hopkins and Rebecca Burney of Rights4Girls provided an overview of domestic child sex trafficking and discussed how girls are often criminalized for experiencing sexual violence. Additionally, the webinar addressed how being a trafficking survivor impacts a girl pre- and post-justice involvement and identified strategies to reduce reliance on the justice system as a response to girls' trauma.

Presenters:

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.


Gender, Sexuality, and the Juvenile Justice System: Promoting System Improvement

On August 28, Giovanna Taormina and Kiku Johnson of One Circle Foundation discussed their organization's two nationally recognized, research-based, gender responsive support group models - Girls Circle® and The Council for Boys and Young Men®. The webinar explains the two models' evidence-based outcomes, successful implementation guidelines, and resources including training, manual-guided curriculum, and Q&A tools. 

Presenters: 

Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Noncitizen Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

On June 14, Angie Junck and Rachel Prandini of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center discussed the immigration consequences of delinquency, and provided policy guidance on affirmative steps advocates can take to assist noncitizen youth facing delinquency proceedings. This webinar also detailed important areas of intersection between state and federal law, such as confidentiality of juvenile records. 

Presenters:

Click here for a recording of this webinar and click here for the PowerPoint presentation.


Evidence-Based Programs: The Four Biggest Lessons Learned from Statewide Adoptions of EBPs for System-involved Youth & Families

This webinar features the award-winning Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant Program administered by the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) in partnership with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice and Evidence-Based Associates (EBA). 

Presenters:

  •  Joe Vignati, Georgia DJJ Deputy Director
  • Nicole Janer 
  • Dan Edwards

Click here for the PowerPoint Presentation and click here for the recording 


Racial Equity in the Juvenile Justice System: Kentucky Strategies to Reduce DMC

Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) refers to the disproportionate number of youth of color who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. Disproportionate minority representation is evident at nearly every contact point within the juvenile justice system continuum: Youth of color are more likely to be arrested, more likely to receive longer sentences, and more likely to be placed in restrictive confinement than their white peers who engage in the same or similar behaviors. 

On Wednesday, April 18, this webinar highlighted the importance of using data to inform juvenile justice reform efforts regarding (DMC). 

It also provided an overview of one Kentucky Agency’s attempt to address DMC through strategic planning, racial equity assessment, and a training agenda that addresses the issues revealed through the assessment. Participants left with a clearer sense of how to identify contact points and community stakeholders in order to address DMC. 

Presenters:

Click here for the webinar recording. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Filling the Gaps: Promoting a Developmentally Appropriate, Trauma-informed Approach to Policing

Nationally, law enforcement officers are not adequately trained in key information necessary to dealing competently and effectively with youth - including disproportionate minority contact. Forty-five states offer no model policies to guide law enforcement officers’ and agencies’ interactions with youth. Most juvenile justice reform efforts focus on changing systems that address youth after the point of arrest. These factors help explain why the largest point of racial disparity occurs at the point of arrest, and is hard to decrease as youth go deeper and deeper into the system.

On Thursday, March 29 participants heard from Lisa Thurau, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Strategies for Youth, and Andrew Smith, New Hampshire State DMC Coordinator and CJJ Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Chair, about the vital role advocates can play in filling these gaps.

The webinar showcased initiatives state advocates are implementing to address law enforcement’s role in improving the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system, by adopting developmentally-appropriate, trauma-informed equitable approaches to policing youth.

Presenters:

  • Lisa Thurau, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Strategies for Youth
  • Andrew Smith, CJJ Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Chair

Click here for the webinar recording. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Big Data Policing: Its Impact on Children and Youth

Technology is changing how law enforcement does their job. The goal is to create systems that are race neutral and objective, but is that how things are playing out in our communities?

On Thursday, Feb. 15 participants heard from Andrew Ferguson, author of "The Rise of Big Data Policing: Surveillance, Race, and the Future of Law Enforcement" about the implications that technology can have on racial and ethnic disparities for youth and young adults in our justice systems. 

The webinar highlighted the importance of viewing surveillance as a civil rights issue, demonstrated how implicit bias can impact the way new technology is applied, and emphasized the need for democratic community education around big data.

Presenters:

  • Andrew Ferguson, Researcher, Professor, and Author of "The Rise of Big Data Policing: Surveillance, Race, and the Future of Law Enforcement"

Click here for the webinar recording. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Collaborating for Change: Addressing Youth Homelessness and Juvenile Justice

The problem of youth homelessness is one that frequently goes unnoticed. National estimates indicate that in a given year, 380,000 minors will at some point be homeless and alone, without the accompaniment of their family.

Children experiencing homelessness are often criminalized as a result of behaviors that stem from their lack of safe and secure housing. Likewise, involvement in the juvenile justice system can also result in homelessness. Interviews by the Administration for Children and Families of youth age 14-21 from across the country and found that almost 44% of young people experiencing homelessness had been in a juvenile detention center, jail, or prison.

On Tuesday, Feb. 28 participants had the chance to learn about ways that community collaborations between service providers, cities and government agencies, schools, and other key stakeholders can help ensure that youth are not criminalized because they experience homelessness, and that they do not become homeless as a result of their involvement with the juvenile justice system. The webinar highlighted key policy recommendations from a new report released by the Coalition for Juvenile Justice in partnership with the National Network for Youth and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families. The project was made possible through funding from the Raikes Foundation, the Tow Foundation, and the Melville Charitable Trust.

This webinar was co-hosted by the National Network for Youth, and the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families.

Presenters:

  • Darla Bardine, Executive Director, National Network for Youth
  • Laura Furr, Program Manager, Justice Reform and Youth Engagement, for the National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families
  • Lisa Pilnik, Senior Advisor, Coalition for Juvenile Justice


Slides from this webinar are available here


 

Collaborating for Change: Coming Together to Address the Intersection of Juvenile Justice and Youth Homelessness

Each year, an estimated 380,000 children below the age of 18 are alone, without their families or a place to call home. Many of these children will come into contact with the juvenile justice system. Interviews with 654 runaway and homeless youth revealed that nearly 44 percent had stayed in a jail, prison, or juvenile detention facility, and nearly 78 percent had at least one previous interaction with law enforcement. 

On July 13, CJJ held a webinar on "Collaborating for Change: Coming Together to Address the Intersection of Juvenile Justice and Homelessness." Participants learned more about the ways communities can work together to identify and assist unaccompanied homeless children. Presenters also discussed the important role that collaboration plays in addressing the intersection of homelessness and juvenile justice. 


Speakers included: 

Click here for the webinar recording. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Addressing the Housing Needs of Youth and Young Adults in Contact with the Justice System 

Youth and young adults in contact with the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems experience numerous barriers to securing stable, safe, and affordable housing. Many are disengaged from their families or have histories of abuse and other traumas, putting them at a greater risk of homelessness. Youth and young adults involved in the justice system often have mental health and substance use issues, which can present further challenges to securing housing.

CJJ and the National Reentry Resource Center held a webinar on June 30 on: "Addressing the Housing Needs of Youth and Young Adults in Contact with the Justice System." During this webinar, participants learned about:

  • Current data and trends on youth and young adult homelessness;
  • How homelessness intersects with the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems; and
  • Lessons learned and promising strategies to connect youth and young adults in contact with the justice system to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Presenters included:

Click here for the webinar recording. Click here to view the PowerPoint.  


Gault at 50: Ensuring Counsel for LGBTQ Youth in the Juvenile Justice System 

Access to counsel for children means more than representation in court. It means having an advocate who will value clients’ stories, hear their concerns, and fight for fair and equitable outcomes throughout the entirety of the case. The attorney-client relationship is especially important for LGBTQ youth, who may be struggling with difficult and deeply personal situations at home, school, or in their communities. During Pride Month, we honored the progress of the LGBTQ advocacy movement, but we must also work to lift up the voices of LGBTQ youth too often stifled in our courtrooms and in our prisons. 

On June 29, CJJ hosted a webinar on “Gault at 50: Ensuring Counsel for LGBTQ Youth in the Juvenile Justice System.” This webinar provided an overview of the National Juvenile Defender Center’s Gault at 50 Campaign and the issues young people face accessing counsel and other due process protections. Attendees learned more about the latest research on the criminalization of LGBTQ youth from the Movement Advancement Project. Presenters also shared information and recommendations on how attorneys and other juvenile justice stakeholders can ensure the promise of Gault is met for LGBTQ youth around the country.

Presenters Included:


Click here for the recording. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation. 


Electronic Monitoring of Youth in Trouble with the Law: A Reassessment

Electronic monitoring of youth in the juvenile justice system has become increasingly commonplace, with little to no regulation or oversight. However, it raises significant concerns, including: the possibility of net widening; severe deprivations of liberty for youth; racially-biased application; and little research to support its efficacy. 

On June 23, CJJ and the National Juvenile Justice Network co-hosted a webinar on, "Electronic Monitoring of Youth in Trouble with the Law: A Reassessment." During the webinar, presenters reexamined the use of electronic monitoring and discussed whether it should be viewed more as a form of punishment than as an alternative to incarceration. The presentation drew on research and analysis done by Kate Weisburd, director of the Youth Defender Clinic, which is affiliated with U.C. Berkeley Law School, and the first-hand experiences of electronic monitoring shared by two young advocates with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.

Presenters included: 


Click here to view the recording. Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation. 


Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Education and the Juvenile Justice System

All too often youth come into contact with the juvenile justice system based upon behaviors that happen while they are at school. But what happens when these behaviors stem from an unmet or undiagnosed need stemming from the student's intellectual or developmental disability? CJJ held a webinar on May 27 where participants learned more about ways in which students can be pushed out of their schools, the rights that students with special needs have when these situations arise, and how communities can eliminate unnecessary referrals to the juvenile justice system. 

Presenters included: 

  • Selene Almazan, Legal Director, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates 
  • Diane Smith Howard, Senior Staff Attorney, National Disability Rights Network 


Click here to view the recording. Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation.


Civics 101: How Congress Works & How You Can Exercise Your Right to Advocate

CJJ held a webinar on "Civics 101: How Congress Works & How You Can Exercise Your Right to Advocate" on March 16. This webinar, hosted by CJJ's Government Relations Committee, gave a refresher course on how a bill becomes a law. Speakers responded to the following questions: 

  • What must happen between a bill’s introduction and the president’s signature?

  • What role can individuals and organizations play along the way?
  • What are the steps in the legislative process?
  • What is the difference between advocacy and lobbying?


Presenters included: 

  • Jill Ward, Federal Policy Consultant, Campaign for Youth Justice  
  • Derek Lawlor, Associate, Covington and Burling LLP


Click here to view the presentation. 


Youth with Intellectual and Development Disabilities in Juvenile Justice

Studies estimate 65-70% of youth involved with the juvenile justice system meet the requirements for a disability. However, juvenile justice systems often lack adequate strategies and processes to identify and serve these young people.

CJJ held a webinar on "Youth with Intellectual and Development Disabilities in Juvenile Justice" on February 16.

This webinar provided an overview of the issues that youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience in the juvenile justice system. Participants unpacked how intellectual and developmental disabilities can affect behavior, how those behaviors are perceived, and how such perceptions can increase risk for system involvement. The webinar introduced strategies for communities to better identify disabilities. It also focused on how to meet the needs of this specific population within the system, from diversion, to improving conditions within confinement, and preparing them for success upon release.

Presenters included:


Click here to watch a recording of the webinar. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation, which includes a transcript. You can also view the following resources from the webinar: