JJDP Committee and JJC Host Forum on Adolescent Brain Development

TRENTON - The Governor's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee, in cooperation with the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC), will hold a seminar on brain development on Friday, February 17, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Trenton War Memorial. It will conclude with an awards luncheon recognizing the work of exemplary programs funded by the JJDP Committee. A schedule of events appears below.

The seminar will focus on how recent physical evidence from brain scanning and research into adolescent development helps to gain a better understanding of juvenile crime and how to deal more effectively with adolescent offenders in the court system. The featured speaker will be Laurence Steinberg, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, Temple University. He has written more than 200 publications, including the leading college textbook on adolescence, and a 2003 American Bar Association Criminal Justice article on trying juvenile offenders. He has also studied serious juvenile offenders extensively, including those in Philadelphia and New Jersey. He currently serves as Director of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice.

"Juveniles are not mini adults, and we cannot treat them as such. If we are going to truly rehabilitate young people, we need to use every tool at our disposal. Today's seminar on adolescent brain development is yet another effort by the Juvenile Justice Commission to educate the community on the latest scientific evidence that can help us better understand and work with troubled juveniles. Together, we can help young people turn their lives around so that they can lead productive lives," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director, JJC.

The JJC, which is the designated planning authority in regard to the allocation of federal grant funds, works with the JJDP Committee to identify appropriate programs, award funds and monitor their success. The JJDP Committee is responsible for the distribution of more than $3 million in federal grant award annually to local and state agencies.

JJDP

The JJDP Committee reviews proposals for programs that will reduce delinquency and create local delinquency prevention programs. Programs that demonstrate success are eligible for continued funding for a maximum of three consecutive years.

Three JJDP funded programs have been selected by the members of the JJDP Committee and will receive the Constance Strand Memorial Award at the close of the seminar. Constance Strand devoted herself to helping children and the mentally ill, by focusing on delinquency prevention, reforming the juvenile justice system and ensuring accessibility of mental health services for children. After more than three decades of service, the State of New Jersey lost one of its most dynamic volunteers on January 4, 2002. The JJDP created the Constance Strand Memorial Award in her honor.

"The Governor's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee is very proud to be able to recognize the dedication of Mrs. Strand to the young people of New Jersey by honoring these projects," said Judge B. Thomas Leahy, Chairman, JJDP Committee.

The Constance Strand Memorial Award recipients are described below:

- Disproportionate Minority Confinement through Multisystemic Therapy, Bergen County

First funded in 2002, the Disproportionate Minority Confinement through Multisystemic Therapy (MST) Program was implemented by the Bergen County Division of County. Research has demonstrated the success of this model with delinquent youth and families. It has increased family cohesion and parent effectiveness, while reducing negative peer associations and out home placements. This programs has helped reduce the detention population in Bergen County.

- Storytelling Arts, Mercer County

Storytelling Arts Inc., founded in 1996 and run by professional storytellers, serves special needs groups, particularly children from low income or at risk families. The students meet in workshops where they are exposed to tradition storytelling, writing, and discussion. Through the storytelling process, the young people are able to find meaningful ways to discuss their own experiences and reflect on the impact their stories and choices have on their lives and their communities. In 2005, the Mercer County Detention Center implemented a summer program with intensive, week-long storytelling residencies which focused on writing, music, visual arts, and student storytelling. A total of 31 youth participated in two or more residencies.

- Trenton Nurse Family Partnership, City of Trenton

The goal of the Trenton Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) is to improve the health and life-course of at-risk, low income, first-time mothers/parents and their children. The programs has served to reduce family dysfunction, child abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. The program demonstrated improved prenatal care, child/infant health and nutrition, as well as increased use of lead poisoning screenings and immunizations. The program served 160 clients in the three years that it received JJDP Act funding.

Schedule of Events

9:00 a.m. - Welcome, B. Thomas Leahy, Chairperson

9:30 a.m. - Laurence Steinberg, Ph.D. Association for Children of New Jersey

11:15 a.m. - Panel Discussions

1:00 p.m. - Cecilia Zalkind

1:15 p.m. - Awards Presentation

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