Center for Youth Justice, Georgetown University

06/16/2026

We are so proud to spotlight the 2026 Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program cohort, which includes teams from Augusta, Georgia; Nashville/Davidson County, Tennessee; Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee; Hinds County, Mississippi; Sacramento County, California; and Santa Cruz, California!

During the intensive program week at McCourt School of Public Policy - Georgetown University, cross-system teams from 6 counties examine their current probation practices, explore core transformation pillars alongside national experts, and engage in system mapping discussions. Ultimately, they will use this collaborative time to identify their focus areas and establish a concrete plan that will kickstart their multi-year Capstone Project to transform their probation practices.

https://cyj.georgetown.edu/announcements/the-2026-transforming-juvenile-probation-certificate-program-kicks-off-this-week/

06/15/2026

Congratulations to the six jurisdictions that just wrapped up the 2026 Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program at McCourt School of Public Policy - Georgetown University!

After a week of learning, collaboration, and bold thinking, these multidisciplinary teams have laid the foundation for ambitious probation transformation efforts in their communities.

The program may be over, but the work is just beginning. We look forward to supporting these teams alongside the Annie E. Casey Foundation as they turn their ideas into action through their Capstone Projects over the coming year. Join us in wishing them luck on the journey ahead! :clap::clap:

Learn more about the six teams here:
https://cyj.georgetown.edu/announcements/announcing-the-2026-transforming-juvenile-probation-certificate-program-cohort/

06/10/2026

Our Transforming Juvenile Probation week continues! This morning we are joined by Clint Lacey, president and CEO of the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3), and the Honorable Katherine Vahey, Circuit Judge in Juvenile Justice Division in Cook County, Illinois (Chicago).

Learn more:
https://cyj.georgetown.edu/certificate-programs/transforming-juvenile-probation/

06/09/2026

What an incredible kickoff not only to a week but a year of transformation for six jurisdictions across the country that have come to our Capitol Hill campus for our 2026 Transforming Juvenile Program Certificate Program.

A big thanks to our partners Annie E. Casey Foundation!

Learn more about this year's cohort:
https://cyj.georgetown.edu/announcements/the-2026-transforming-juvenile-probation-certificate-program-kicks-off-this-week/

06/08/2026

Our 2026 Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program has kicked off! We are so happy to welcome teams from Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and California this week.

A big thanks to our partners at the Annie E. Casey Foundation!

Learn more about the program:
https://cyj.georgetown.edu/certificate-programs/transforming-juvenile-probation/

06/03/2026

We are thrilled about how the planning for this year's 2026 Janet Reno Forum on September 10th is going! “America’s Youth Justice Story: Unearthing the Past and Reimagining the Next Chapter” will be an in-person, one-day conference held in our nation’s capitol that explores the past, present, and future of America’s Youth Justice story through the lens of truth-telling and creative expression.

Through a series of plenary sessions, we’ll meet storytellers, leaders, community-members, artists, and advocates as they each, in their own ways, serve as truth tellers to effectuate change and rewrite the next chapter of youth justice. Attendees will also experience an array of creative expressions including an art gallery, spoken word, music, and more from justice-driven and system-impacted artists.

Learn more:

What can we do to ensure that the tragedies of our past don’t write the story of our future? The Center for Youth Justice at Georgetown University and Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. are proud to announce registration is now open for the 2026 Janet Reno Forum on September 10th!  “Americ...

06/02/2026

Proud of our own Deputy Director for Certificate Programs, Amber Farn, M.S., who has been busy! Yesterday she presented “Less Court = Better Outcomes: Best Practices for Promoting Youth Diversion” at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender 2026 Justice for All Conference with Ian Augarten. So many incredibly insightful panels and speakers discussing this year’s theme of “AI in Criminal Defense: Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward.”

Always great to be amongst thought leaders who are working through the hard problems in order to make more positive future for our kids, families, and communities.

05/29/2026

So happy to connect in person with Ramik Williams and Donielle Martin, who are members of our Youth and Family Advisory Council at the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) annual conference!

05/29/2026

We were thrilled to present at Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) annual conference!

Our own Amber Farn and Michael Umpierre presented "Using SMART Goals and Logic Models to Build Effective R/ED Initiatives," an interactive workshop that sought to empower multidisciplinary teams to move beyond reporting and toward
measurable impact with a coordinated, data-driven workplan that drives equitable outcomes and strengthens local cross-sector partnerships.

Thank you to our amazing hosts, and for the incredibly engaging participants.

05/28/2026

Next Week! Create a fundamental shift in power imbalances and center the voices of those most impacted. Join us next Wednesday, June 3rd from 1 to 2 pm ET for a virtual info session about our new, tuition-free 12-month Community Development and Engagement Initiative!

Join us on Wednesday, June 3rd at 1 pm ET for a virtual info session about our new, tuition-free 12-month Community Development and Engagement Initiative! Register Here! Create a fundamental shift in power imbalances and center the voices of those most impacted. Addressing deep-seeded system inequit...