JJC and NJJDA Host Annual Juvenile Justice Training Conference

ATLANTIC CITY - The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) and the New Jersey Juvenile Detention Association (NJJDA) will hold their seventh annual joint training conference at the Trump Marina here on September 21, 22, and 23.

This joint effort provides valuable resources, training, and education to youth workers, juvenile detention officers, local juvenile police officers, juvenile correction officers, social workers, and teachers. These professionals are charged with providing services to incarcerated juveniles and young people who demonstrate a risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system in New Jersey.

"It is critical that those who are charged with rehabilitating our state's high risk and increasingly vulnerable young people have the tools necessary to do their jobs," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director, JJC. "Juveniles come to county operated detention centers, community-based programs and the JJC with diverse and multifaceted needs. The juvenile justice system has responded by creating services that meet the needs of young people, including programs that address mental health, substance abuse, gang involvement, low self esteem, and adolescent development issues."

Training topics include, but are not limited to: "Gangs! What are they doing now?" presented by Lt. Edwin Torres, JJC; "Creating a safe zone for girls," presented by Denise Bray, National Director of Training for PACE Center for Girls, Inc.; and "Improving Decision Making Skills," presented by Phil Costello and Adam Sprehe of Project USE.

"This year's conference provides a broad selection of workshops to enhance our abilities as juvenile justice professionals and to increase successful outcomes of the youth in our care. The topics were chosen to address critical areas that will help us provide safer and more caring services for the young people of New Jersey," said Robert Murray, President, NJJDA.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com