Center for Youth Justice, Georgetown University

Center for Youth Justice, Georgetown University Shay Bilchik, one of the country’s most influential voices in the juvenile justice arena, founded the Center in 2007.

The Center for Youth Justice supports and educates leaders across systems of care to advance a balanced, multi-system approach to improving outcomes for youth at risk. The Center for Youth Justice at Georgetown University supports and educates leaders across systems of care to advance a balanced, multi-system approach to improving outcomes for, and promoting the positive development of, youth at r

isk of youth legal system involvement. Michael Umpierre, the current director, works closely with Georgetown’s other policy centers and departments in leading the Center’s efforts. A research center within the McCourt School of Public Policy, the pillars of our approach going forward will be grounded in the pursuit of five core goals:

--Advancing a strength-based, holistic, and developmental approach for youth, because after all, we must always remember that these are kids
--Promoting authentic, meaningful, and impactful youth and family partnerships, always remembering the mantra of “nothing about us, without us”
--Preventing legal system involvement for youth in the first place where possible and embracing community-driven models and approaches;
--Strengthening cross-system collaboration and partnerships to minimize burdens on youth and families, maximize precious system resources, and achieve positive outcomes for all; and
--Advancing racial justice and equity in the youth legal system; our work must not and cannot cease until all youth and families have equitable opportunities to thrive.

We are so proud to spotlight the 2026 Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program cohort, which includes teams f...
06/16/2026

We are so proud to spotlight the 2026 Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program cohort, which includes teams from Augusta, Georgia; Nashville/Davidson County, Tennessee; Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee; Hinds County, Mississippi; Sacramento County, California; and Santa Cruz, California!

During the intensive program week at McCourt School of Public Policy - Georgetown University, cross-system teams from 6 counties examine their current probation practices, explore core transformation pillars alongside national experts, and engage in system mapping discussions. Ultimately, they will use this collaborative time to identify their focus areas and establish a concrete plan that will kickstart their multi-year Capstone Project to transform their probation practices.

https://cyj.georgetown.edu/announcements/the-2026-transforming-juvenile-probation-certificate-program-kicks-off-this-week/

Congratulations to the six jurisdictions that just wrapped up the 2026 Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Progr...
06/15/2026

Congratulations to the six jurisdictions that just wrapped up the 2026 Transforming Juvenile Probation Certificate Program at McCourt School of Public Policy - Georgetown University!

After a week of learning, collaboration, and bold thinking, these multidisciplinary teams have laid the foundation for ambitious probation transformation efforts in their communities.

The program may be over, but the work is just beginning. We look forward to supporting these teams alongside the Annie E. Casey Foundation as they turn their ideas into action through their Capstone Projects over the coming year. Join us in wishing them luck on the journey ahead! :clap::clap:

Learn more about the six teams here:
https://cyj.georgetown.edu/announcements/announcing-the-2026-transforming-juvenile-probation-certificate-program-cohort/

We are thrilled about how the planning for this year's 2026 Janet Reno Forum on September 10th is going! “America’s Yout...
06/03/2026

We are thrilled about how the planning for this year's 2026 Janet Reno Forum on September 10th is going! “America’s Youth Justice Story: Unearthing the Past and Reimagining the Next Chapter” will be an in-person, one-day conference held in our nation’s capitol that explores the past, present, and future of America’s Youth Justice story through the lens of truth-telling and creative expression.

Through a series of plenary sessions, we’ll meet storytellers, leaders, community-members, artists, and advocates as they each, in their own ways, serve as truth tellers to effectuate change and rewrite the next chapter of youth justice. Attendees will also experience an array of creative expressions including an art gallery, spoken word, music, and more from justice-driven and system-impacted artists.

Learn more:

What can we do to ensure that the tragedies of our past don’t write the story of our future? The Center for Youth Justice at Georgetown University and Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. are proud to announce registration is now open for the 2026 Janet Reno Forum on September 10th!  “Americ...

Proud of our own Deputy Director for Certificate Programs, Amber Farn, M.S., who has been busy! Yesterday she presented ...
06/02/2026

Proud of our own Deputy Director for Certificate Programs, Amber Farn, M.S., who has been busy! Yesterday she presented “Less Court = Better Outcomes: Best Practices for Promoting Youth Diversion” at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender 2026 Justice for All Conference with Ian Augarten. So many incredibly insightful panels and speakers discussing this year’s theme of “AI in Criminal Defense: Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward.”

Always great to be amongst thought leaders who are working through the hard problems in order to make more positive future for our kids, families, and communities.

So happy to connect in person with Ramik Williams and Donielle Martin, who are members of our Youth and Family Advisory ...
05/29/2026

So happy to connect in person with Ramik Williams and Donielle Martin, who are members of our Youth and Family Advisory Council at the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) annual conference!

We were thrilled to present at Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) annual conference! Our own Amber Farn and Michael Um...
05/29/2026

We were thrilled to present at Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) annual conference!

Our own Amber Farn and Michael Umpierre presented "Using SMART Goals and Logic Models to Build Effective R/ED Initiatives," an interactive workshop that sought to empower multidisciplinary teams to move beyond reporting and toward
measurable impact with a coordinated, data-driven workplan that drives equitable outcomes and strengthens local cross-sector partnerships.

Thank you to our amazing hosts, and for the incredibly engaging participants.

Next Week! Create a fundamental shift in power imbalances and center the voices of those most impacted. Join us next Wed...
05/28/2026

Next Week! Create a fundamental shift in power imbalances and center the voices of those most impacted. Join us next Wednesday, June 3rd from 1 to 2 pm ET for a virtual info session about our new, tuition-free 12-month Community Development and Engagement Initiative!

Join us on Wednesday, June 3rd at 1 pm ET for a virtual info session about our new, tuition-free 12-month Community Development and Engagement Initiative! Register Here! Create a fundamental shift in power imbalances and center the voices of those most impacted. Addressing deep-seeded system inequit...

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