In early October, the ICYJ held its Inaugural Kick-Off Event in the Hall of Presidents. We welcomed our Summer 2023 Interns to speak about their experiences and had an inspiring keynote address by Mr. Jonathan Cloud, author of the innovative Growth-Focused Case Management.

Our partner, the RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice Executive Director, John Tuell also shared the ICYJ origin story. 

Please check our YouTube video to see clips from this incredible event and stay tuned to learn about our Spring Symposium! 

ICYJ YouTube Channel

A Collaborative Event With Scholars, Practitioners, and Students in the Youth Justice Field

The ICYJ convened its inaugural Research & Practice Symposium on April 3rd & 4th, 2024. What an incredible two days of dynamic leanring, collaboration, and sharing of established and emerging research on youth in the justice system.

Among an equal number of professional practitioners, educators, researchers, and JMU students, the event hightlighted the committment of the ICYJ and our partner, the RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice, to our shared mission of improving all facets of the youth justice system. 

Below details our agenda for the symposium, showcasing the diversity in perspective and background. 

*Click on a presenter's name to access their presentation.

Harrisonburg/Rockingham Youth Justice Practitioners, Roundtable

“Rockingham/Harrisonburg youth justice system successes, promising practices, reforms, and current challenges”

Dual Status Youth Panel, Roundtable

Behavioral & Mental Health and the Juvenile Justice System

  • Kolbee Wisniewski, JMU 
"The implications of community violence on the mental health and delinquency of adolescents in Chicago, IL."
  • Nadjhia Normil-Skakavac, Virginia State University
“A theoretical analysis of the effects of autism on juvenile delinquency”
  • Michelle Manasse, Towson University 
“Issues of adolescent developmental & mental health in the context of juvenile justice interventions”
“Racial disparities in behavioral health recommendations within the JJS”

Youth Justice Student Research Panel & Capstone Course Poster Session

  • Mariam Elassal, JMU
"Exploring the Social Context of Risk Assessment in Youth Justice"
"Unleashing Potential: Exploring Strengths-Based Counseling"
  • Sean McCarthy, JMU
“Where innovative pedagogy, research, & practice meet: Introducing the Youth Justice capstone course.”

Keynote Address by Adolphus Graves*, Juvenile Court Administrator, Cobb County, GA

"From Fences to Bridges: Integrating the Work of Youth Justice Agencies and Academic Research for Sustainable Positive Youth Outcomes"

Academic Research Panel

  • Graciela Perez, JMU
“The role of sociocultural factors in delinquency among Latinx”
“Family and peer influences on antisocial behavior throughout adolescence”
  • Riane Bolin, Radford University
“Public opinion of juvenile justice policies”
  • Maggie Leigey, The College of New Jersey
“Juvenile life without parole in Pennsylvania: Age, cognitive immaturity, and culpability.”


Educational Access for System-Involved Youth Panel

“Disrupting the cycle: Reforming the special education pipeline to juvenile justice through inclusive solutions”
  • Caitlin Dawkins, American Institutes for Research
“Promoting opportunities for youth to thrive at the intersection of justice, education, and workforce”
  • Melissa Svigelj-Smith, JMU
“Creating Hope: Art for converging proximities”

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Innovation Center for Youth Justice
Darcus Johnson Hall
58 Bluestone Drive
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm