Christina McMahan, DCJ Assistant Director for the Juvenile Services Division, was recently invited to become part of the Juvenile Justice Leadership Network. The Network was created to support a select number of juvenile justice correction and probation leaders at the state and local level who are engaged in significant reform efforts in their jurisdictions. Leaders are brought together for informal discussions during which they can share the successes and ongoing challenges involved in their work.
A goal of bringing these leaders together is to provide a place to share and discuss some of the most innovative juvenile justice leadership in the country as they work to implement their reforms. The Network is a partnership between Georgetown University's Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR), the Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators (CJCA) and the Public Welfare Foundation (PWF).
Christina attended her first Network meeting at Georgetown University on March 25th and 26th. She joined colleagues from around the country including directors from Washington DC, Michigan, California, Florida, and Texas. Three main topics were discussed: the Positive Youth Justice Initiative underway in California, strategies for funding the juvenile justice system, and a new report out entitled “Reforming Juvenile Justice: A Developmental Approach.”
Reflecting on her visit, Christina said “Being able spend two days with experts in the juvenile justice field was an energizing experience. I feel excited to continue our work with JSD staff and feel like I gained valuable knowledge that will help us continue to improve how we are serving the youth in our system.”
She will be going back for more idea sharing at the next Network meeting this fall. Being invited to join this Network is recognition of the leadership Christina and her staff is demonstrating as the country continues to implement juvenile justice reforms. Participating in this Network is also a valuable opportunity for Multnomah County to learn what is working in other places around the nation.