The Shay Bilchik Award for Innovation in Youth Justice

Shay at podium speaking in front of large screen

The Center for Youth Justice launched the Shay Bilchik Award for Innovation in Youth Justice last year to honor Shay, whose lifetime commitment to creating positive outcomes for youth and families in the youth justice and child welfare systems is an inspiration to us all. Each year, CYJ issues the award to an individual or organization that has partnered with the Center to advance innovative transformation in youth justice.

2026 Award Recipient: Clinton Lacey

Clinton Lacey photo over dark background and text announcing him as recipient of award, with red, white, and blue brush strokes

Throughout his career, Clinton Lacey has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improve the lives of youth, and challenged the field to think differently about how we engage and support young people. From his leadership at the W. Haywood Burns Institute and the Vera Institute of Justice, to his tenure at NYC Department of Probation and DC DYRS, to his building and advancing the Credible Messenger movement at CM3, he has been at the forefront of reimagining what youth justice can be.

Beyond his many accomplishments, he has also been an exceptional partner to us at CYJ, including through our Certificate Programs, JJLN, conferences, webinars, and more. His willingness to collaborate, share his expertise, challenge conventional thinking, and inspire others has strengthened our work and advanced our shared vision of a youth justice system grounded in healing, opportunity, and hope.

In short, his 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.

2025 Award Recipient: Dr. Denise Herz

It was truly special and fitting for the inaugural recipient of the Shay Bilchik Innovation in Youth Justice Award to be Dr. Denise Herz, given her remarkable dedication to the field, including her groundbreaking research on crossover youth—the very topic that sparked the founding of our Center.