Reimagining the Next Chapter of America’s Youth Justice Story Preview

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Posted in Announcements JRF News

We are looking forward to our America’s Youth Justice Story: Unearthing the Past and Reimagining the Next Chapter national forum on September 10th with Youth Advocate Programs! Today, we want to highlight the last sessions of the day.

We wanted to make sure we ended the day on notes of well-earned hope and progress, rooted in a vision of the future of youth justice that recognizes the dignity and beautiful strengths of our children, families, and communities. The past need not dictate our future. We all can do better and not make the same mistakes if we work to write the next, hopeful chapter together. 

picture of Clinton Lacey announcing him as the recipient of the Shay Bilchik Award for Innovation in Youth Justice

After we return from lunch, we’ll begin with our annual awards, which include the Women’s Leadership Award, and the Shay Bilchik Award for Innovation in Youth Justice. 

We’re proud to announce that Clinton Lacey will be the recipient of this year’s Innovation Award! Mr. Lacey’s career reflects the very qualities that Shay Bilchik has exemplified throughout his own:

  • visionary leadership, 
  • an unwavering belief in the potential of young people, and 
  • a commitment to transforming systems so they better serve those who need them most.

We cannot think of a more deserving recipient.

Photos of the Reimagining the Next Chapter panel

Following awards, we’ll head into our last panel.

Facilitated by Kelly D. Williams, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Youth Advocate Programs, the “Reimagining the Next Chapter of America’s Youth Justice Story” panel will explore the inspiring efforts of those working tirelessly to create and advocate for practices that are restorative, just, and lead to better futures for our youth, families, and communities.​ Joining Kelly on the panel will be: 

  • Clinton Lacey, President and CEO of the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3)
  • Sonnja Brown, Family Support Partner with Child & Family Behavioral Health Services for the City of Alexandria, Virginia
  • Ray Askins, Advocate Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Khalil, Baltimore high school student engaged in Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc.  programming

We hope you can join us as we reimagine what’s possible, together.

Register Now