The Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice, through the support of the State Justice Institute*, hosted a two-day Symposium and supplemental half-day Training Institute in the vibrant heart of Downtown Nashville at the Doubletree Hotel:
September 8-9, 2021:
Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium: Expanding Knowledge, Changing Practice, Achieving Outcomes
September 10, 2021:
Transformation of Youth Justice Training Institutes
Event Materials
To review presentation materials and recommended resources from the event, please visit our Online Resource Library: https://rfknrcjj.org/resources/events/transformation-of-youth-justice/.
If you would like to access a specific presentation or resource that’s not currently available on our website, please contact Sorrel Lewis at solewis@rfkcommunity.org with your request.
Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium: Expanding Knowledge, Changing Practice, Achieving Outcomes
On September 8-9, 2021, in heart of Downtown Nashville, the RFK National Resource Center will host a one-of-a-kind Symposium for multi-disciplinary professionals and youth-serving stakeholders seeking to learn, network, and become part of the nationwide movement to effectively transform youth justice and improve outcomes for children and families. The Symposium will feature research-based and evidence-informed practical reforms that can be replicated and applied by participants within their state and local jurisdictions. The event will also emphasize the importance of peer-to-peer learning and collaboration to identify common challenges and solutions that lead to meaningful, sustainable and measurable policy and practice change.
FREQUENT Q&A
When and where will the Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium be held?
September 8-9, 2021 at the Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Nashville. Participants of the Symposium may also register to attend a half-day Training Institute at the same location:
Doubletree by Hilton Nashville Downtown
315 Fourth Avenue North | Nashville, TN 37219
Symposium Schedule (PDF)
Wednesday, September 8: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 9: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
How do I register for the Symposium and what is the registration fee?
Registration is closed.
What will I learn about at the Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium?
The two-day symposium will feature five plenaries focused on some of the most significant, cross-cutting issues impacting the youth-serving field. The event will also offer 30 workshops and learning sessions for participants to obtain a deeper understanding of reform efforts that address the challenges or issues that are most relevant within their jurisdiction or to the population they serve. Featured topics will include:
- Probation and Juvenile Justice System Reform
- Dual Status Youth Reform
- Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC)
- Alternative Responses to Formal Processing/Prosecution
- Impacting Racial Disparities in Practice
- Adolescent Development
- Trauma Informed Decision Making and Care
- Screening and Assessment, including Risk-Needs-Responsivity
- Implementation Science
- Role of Attorneys (Prosecutors and Defense Lawyers) in Effective Youth Justice Practice
- Emerging Adults and How the Juvenile Justice System Can Support this Population
Workshop Descriptions and Materials
Please click here to learn more about the offered workshops and access session materials.
Who should attend the event?
This event is designed for a variety of professionals and stakeholders — in fact, multidisciplinary teams are encouraged to attend! The Symposium’s audience will include: Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Directors; Probation and Court Service Directors; Judges; Social Workers; Probation Officers and Managers; Prosecuting Attorneys; Public Defenders; Guardians Ad Litem and Child Law Attorneys; Educational Staff and Advocates; Behavioral Health Providers and Clinicians; Federal, State and Local Policy Makers and Advocates… among others.
What is the half-day Training Institute?
Participants who attend the two-day symposium will also enhance their learning experience by participating in a half-day Training Institute session on Friday, September 10. The Training Institutes will offer six intensive and interactive sessions to provide a deeper dive into targeted areas of juvenile justice transformation. Click here to learn more!
*There is an additional registration fee to attend the Training Institute.
I have more questions, who should I contact?
Please reach out to Sorrel Lewis at slewis@rfkchildren.org.
Transformation of Youth Justice Training Institutes
The RFK National Resource Center is pleased to host and facilitate six half-day Training Institutes on September 10, 2021 (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) following the Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium (being held September 8-9, 2021). Focusing on six critical topics, the Transformation of Youth Justice Training Institutes will highlight opportunities and methods to significantly enhance current practice that will improve juvenile justice system performance and ensure the highest likelihood of achieving positive youth outcomes. The Institutes will feature innovative leaders, practitioners, and your peers to ensure a dynamic and practical approach designed to provide specific strategies and action steps that can be replicated in your jurisdiction. We look forward to your participation as we advance more opportunities to expand knowledge, change practice, and achieve outcomes.
FREQUENT Q&A
How many Training Institutes will be offered and what are the focus areas?
This half-day session will offer six different Training Institutes. The Training Institutes’ focus areas are:
- Alternative Responses to Formal Processing/Prosecution, featuring the Alternative Response Initiative
- Dual Status Youth Reform, with special focus on Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC)
- Growth Focused Case Management
- Implementation Science
- Probation System Reform
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Training Institute Session Descriptions and Materials
Please click here to learn more about the Training Institutes and access session materials.
I’m unable to attend the Training Institute – what are my other options?
The RFK National Resource Center can bring the Training Institute to your own jurisdiction! Click here to learn more.
I have more questions, who should I contact?
Please reach out to Sorrel Lewis at slewis@rfkchildren.org.
Registration is closed.
Registration Payment
Payment is required upon registration. Please note:
- Credit Card Payments
- Credit card payments may be made online at the time of registration.
- Please contact Sorrel Lewis at slewis@rfkchildren.org to arrange a credit card payment for an existing registration.
- Check Payments
- Check payments must be received within 30 days of registration. Please include “Symposium” and the name of the participant in the memo line; e.g., Symposium – Val Smith. (See additional instructions below for multiple participants.)
- Please make checks payable to:
RFK Children’s Action Corps
Attn: Symposium
Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps
120 Old Common Road
Lancaster, MA 01523
IMPORTANT: If remitting one check for multiple participants, please enclose a list of the registered participants with the mailed check payment. In the check memo line, please indicate “Symposium – Multiple Participants” and include a contact phone number; e.g., Memo: Symposium – MULTIPLE PARTICIPANTS 555-555-2021.
*The Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium is supported by grant number SJI-19-N-052 from the State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed during the event and in event materials do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State Justice Institute.