With the generous support of:
CPA's 2006 Juvenile Justice Conference
Today's tough-on-crime environment has led many states to enact punitive juvenile justice policies that incarcerate and warehouse young offenders. The results are increased recidivism and the high costs of imprisonment—and the wasted potential of thousands of young people. While the cycle of criminal institutionalization continues in many areas, models for reform thrive in others. State legislators are integral to advancing and nurturing these reforms, which include prevention strategies, community-based treatment and evaluation tools that lead to successful youth development and stop the cycle of crime and incarceration.
The Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has been a resource for state legislators for thirty years. Continuing in that tradition, CPA will host a strategic legislative conference that brings together legislators interested in leading proactive, bi-partisan juvenile justice reform with policy experts and advocates who can help them develop the tools necessary to correct many of the deficiencies in their states' juvenile justice system. The conference will stress positive youth development through treatment, prevention and rehabilitation with a focus on safer communities and cost-effective policy solutions.
During this conference, the participants will:
- Discuss proactive policy on key issues with national experts including:
- Juvenile Mental Health
- Prevention Strategies
- The Impact of Gangs
- Race and Gender
- Children in the Adult systems
- Visit one “Missouri model” community-based youth facility
- Network and share best practices
- Develop state action plans that help move reform forward, and
- Enhance messaging strategies for both inside and outside the legislature.
Networking, training and policy materials will be provided to address juvenile justice reform and, finally, break the cycle.