Create and Implement Community-Centered Development Practices to Create Lasting, Positive Change

While the nation has taken steps to address the influence of race and racial prejudice on legal outcomes and treatment, the U.S. youth legal system continues to face significant challenges that disproportionately affect certain disadvantaged communities, leading to disparate outcomes for young people. These disparities, which manifest from deeply rooted inequities, have far-reaching consequences. Such inequities, when unaddressed, perpetuate cycles that span generations, potentially hindering the progress and well-being of entire communities.

To enhance community development and create lasting positive change, it’s crucial to implement targeted strategies that support youth from all backgrounds.

The Advancing Racial Justice and Equity in Youth Legal Systems Certificate Program is an intensive professional development opportunity designed to support state and local jurisdictions in their efforts to reduce racial and ethnic inequities in their systems of care, particularly the youth legal system. The program is hosted by the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy and builds upon the successful Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Juvenile Justice Certificate Program previously offered by the Center.

We are now accepting applications to join this program through March 26, 2025. Please visit the program’s dedicated page to learn more!

Learn More About the Program!