As we wrap up 2023, we’re also looking (or rather, listening) back at the wonderful interviews and conversations with our special guests captured in Season Two of our Youth Justice Transformation in Action Podcast (rfknrcjj.org/podcast/). Throughout Season Two, our Executive Director John Tuell was joined by on-the-ground leaders representing jurisdictions that participated in our Dennis M. Mondoro Probation and Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Project and undertook a Probation and Youth Justice System Review. Season Three will be introduced in 2024, but in the meantime, be sure to listen to any episodes you may have missed – and please share the podcast with your colleagues and others interested in improving services and outcomes for children and families! Here’s a recap of Season Two:
Critical Keys to Successful Probation and Youth Justice System Reform (ft. Bev Hoagland)
Season Two kicked off with John interviewing Chief Probation Officer Bev Hoagland from Lancaster County, Nebraska. This episode highlights the key elements that led to improved system performance and youth outcomes in Lancaster County. John and Bev also discuss the importance of incorporating brain science research in training and policies, the critical role of a program coordinator, and impactful probation practices. Episode Page | Release Date: January 31, 2023
The Essential Role of the Judge in Youth Justice Transformation (ft. Hon. Thomas Sotelo)
In this episode, John speaks with Judge Thomas P. Sotelo, Chief Judge of Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. In their conversation, Judge Sotelo shares his perspective on judicial leadership, hope and redemption, the importance of transparency, and embracing research and best practices to improve youth outcomes and system performance. Episode Page | Release Date: March 28, 2023
Managing Change: The King County Experience (ft. Robert Gant and Aaron Parker)
Robert Gant and Aaron Parker, program managers from King County, Washington, joined John to discuss the steps they took to effectively reform the youth justice system during a tumultuous period of transition. From the pandemic to leadership transitions to building a new facility amidst community pressure to eliminate the need for secure detention for youth, Robert and Aaron share how their experience in community-based organizations and knowledge of implementation science supported them in successfully implementing the Juvenile Therapeutic Response and Accountability Court (JTRAC). Episode Page | Release Date: May 31, 2023
Achieving Success through Organizational Change (ft. Julie Austin & Staci Denney)
We close Season Two with featured guests, Julie Austin and Staci Denney from Greene County, Missouri. In their conversation with John, Julie and Staci delve into the critical topic of fostering success within youth justice through transformative organizational change. From their experience with our System Review, Julie and Staci share their key strategies and insights that paved the way for improving their system’s performance leading to better outcomes for youth and families in their community. Episode Page | Release Date: September 28, 2023
We’re sending our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful guests and listeners who made Season Two an enriching experience! Please be sure to subscribe to the Youth Justice Transformation in Action Podcast on your favorite listening app and stay tuned for Season Three in the New Year!