The first Juvenile Probation Reform Academy, developed exclusively for Probation and Parole Professionals, will be held July 13-15, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA – Apply Now!
The Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice has partnered with the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, with support from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), to establish a Juvenile Probation Reform Academy for juvenile probation and parole leaders and managers.
When is the Academy Held?
The program will be held as a special training track during APPA’s 40th Annual Training Institute in Los Angeles on July 13-15, 2015.
Who is its Target Audience?
The program seeks juvenile probation department directors, managers, and supervisors with a minimum of 5 years of experience leading juvenile justice probation and parole system programs and services in their state and/or local jurisdictions. Specifically, applicants should possess the following:
- Decision-making authority over management practices and policies
- An awareness of best practices in programming and supervision
- Knowledge about developing and measuring system and youth outcomes
- An understanding of how youth outcomes are affected by probation officer supervision practices
- A belief in the importance of positive opportunities to enhance inter- and intra-agency relationships and work processes among other youth-serving and court partners
- Demonstrated commitment to learning how to conduct a systematic examination and review of their probation department
- Readiness to implement change based on the results of systematic examination
What Will Participants Learn?
As confinement rates have declined by almost half over the last 15 years, probation departments are increasingly challenged to use their resources efficiently to supervise high-risk youth in the community. Research shows that supervision agencies can have a significant impact on recidivism by matching youth with the appropriate level, type, and quality of supervision and services. However, few comprehensive, high-quality professional development opportunities exist specifically to help juvenile probation and parole leaders learn about the research on “what works” to improve youth outcomes, and how to reform their policies and practices accordingly.
The Juvenile Probation Reform Academy is designed to instruct probation and parole directors and managers on the core principles demonstrated by research to reduce recidivism and improve other outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. Participants will develop strategies for applying this research to their own agencies and will learn how to conduct a systematic review of agency policies, practices, and performance, and implement agency-wide reforms.
Specifically, by the conclusion of the Academy, participants should be able to:
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the policies and practices demonstrated by research to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system
- Apply this research to their own agencies through a process that examines policy, practice, and service provision to inform opportunities for system enhancement, improvement, and reform
Is the Academy Accredited?
This program will be accredited by APPA and the state of California.
What Will Participants Receive Following the Training?
Participants will earn a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program, and will receive up to six months of follow-up support and technical assistance through distance- and peer-learning activities to implement its key takeaways.
How Much Does the Academy Cost?
If accepted into the Juvenile Probation Reform Academy, participants will be required to register for and pay the registration fee for the APPA Annual Training Institute. No additional fee for the Academy will be imposed on those accepted into this special training track, as Academy-specific costs are generously covered by the support of OJJDP. Participants will also be required to cover their own travel and personal expenses associated with attendance. For more information regarding registration and costs for the APPA Annual Training Institute, click here. Unless you are planning to attend the APPA Training Institute regardless of the status of your acceptance into the Juvenile Probation Reform Academy, please do not register for the Institute until you receive notice as to whether you were accepted into this special training track.
Space is Limited-Apply Early!
Participation in the Juvenile Probation Reform Academy is limited, and probation and parole professionals must competitively apply. Applications are due April 17, 2015
To apply for the special training track for the Juvenile Probation Reform Academy during the APPA Annual Training Institute, please click here.
Questions?
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Tracy G. Mullins
Deputy Director
American Probation and Parole Association
Phone: 859-244-8215
Email: tmullins@csg.org
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Our Partners
The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) is an international membership association that provides training and technical assistance to individuals who are actively involved with pretrial, probation, parole, and community-based corrections, in both criminal and juvenile justice arenas.
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center is a national organization that provides technical assistance and a broad range of nonpartisan, evidence-based strategies and services to policymakers across the country to improve outcomes for youth and adults in the justice system.
Related Core Curriculum Publications
Wiig, Janet and John A Tuell. Probation Review Guidebook. Boston, MA: Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, 2011. Click here to retrieve online.
Weber, Josh and Nastassia Walsh and Elizabeth Seigle. Core Principles for Reducing Recidivism and Improving Other Outcomes for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System. New York: Council of State Governments Justice Center, 2014. Click here to retrieve online.