The 2020 CJJA Summer Business Meeting was conducted virtually as result of travel restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. The two day meeting offered participants a unique experience that was rich content through pre-recorded presentations and regional think tank breakout sessions. The discussions were conducted via Zoom.
The pre-recorded sessions were focused on Emergency Planning, Human Trafficking, Performance-based Standards, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, Education, Alternatives to Adult Incarceration updates as well as Code of Practice. Participants expressed their gratitude for the time and effort it took the presenters to prepare and record their information.
Day One consisted of a three-part session including a discussion regarding the creation of a new Committee focusing on Code of Practice. The proposed committee would consist of Members, Associates, and various juvenile justice partners. Additionally, we passed the vote to transition the board with the term ending for Lisa Bjergaard (ND) as President and moving into the Immediate Past President position. The new board is as follows:
- President- Steve Lafreniere (AL),
- Vice President- Peter Forbes (MA)
- Treasurer- Chris Blessinger (IN)
- Secretary- Valerie Boykin (VA)
The day continued into the Best Practices Committee Presentation hosted by the West Region Anders Jacobson (CO) and Camerron Resener with An Introduction to Human Trafficking. The day concluded with the Associate and Regional Breakouts discussing the think tank subject of racial and ethnic disparities.
Day Two involved a 2-part session that featured the PEW Panel regarding New Practices for Healthy and Safe Juvenile Facilities. The session was interactive and engaging. The session offered a great conversation regarding the pros and cons of old vs. new protocols. Panelist discussed how new practices might be sustained into the future in the areas of Population Management, Virtual Engagement and Wellness for Youth and Staff a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you to all that were able to join our sessions. We appreciate all our presenters for their time and effort in developing their materials and pre-recording their sessions. Additionally, we express our gratitude to our sponsors. We look forward to seeing you at the CJJA Winter Business Meeting tentatively scheduled for Long Beach, CA in February 5-7, 2021. For information regarding the CJJA Summer Business Meeting, please reach out to Charity Brenstuhl via email at charity.brenstuhl@cjja.net