Pathways To Success Conference was a HUGE success!!

The Tow Youth Justice Institute (TYJI) held its 2nd Annual Pathways to Success Conference on May 22, 2024, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. The conference, titled “Pathways to Success: Trailblazers and Innovators in Youth Justice,” brought together over 300 system partners, community organizations, youth, and young adults to explore innovative strategies and best practices in juvenile justice and children’s behavioral health. The event featured a compelling keynote address, a variety of breakout sessions, and the prestigious Trailblazer Award.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Maysa Akbar

The conference commenced with a keynote speech by Dr. Maysa Akbar, a groundbreaking psychologist, best-selling author, and leading expert in racial trauma, allyship, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Akbar, who is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, captivated the audience with her insights on the impact of systemic oppression on marginalized youth. Her keynote address, drawing from her books “Urban Trauma: A Legacy of Racism” and “Beyond Ally: The Pursuit of Racial Justice,” emphasized the importance of addressing race-based trauma and promoting racial equity in youth justice.

Dr. Akbar’s remarks set a transformative tone for the conference, encouraging attendees to adopt a holistic approach to youth justice that includes mental health support, educational opportunities, and community engagement. She highlighted the necessity of dismantling systemic barriers and fostering environments where all young people can thrive.

Morning Opening Panel

The Keynote commences with a distinguished panel comprised of professionals and youth moderated by Andrew, Co-CEO of Dalio Education. This panel examined recent developments since a key report on disconnected youth was released, highlighting various state initiatives and featuring direct insights from the young voices shaping our future.

Breakout Sessions: Focused and Insightful Discussions

The conference offered several breakout sessions, providing attendees with the opportunity to delve into specific topics and engage in meaningful dialogue with experts and peers. These sessions covered a range of crucial issues in youth justice and children’s behavioral health.

Morning Breakout Sessions

Navigating Inclusivity: Advancing Gender-Responsive Approaches for Diverse Youth:

This session explored strategies for creating inclusive environments that address the unique needs of diverse youth. Panelists, including Sukhmani Singh, Ph.D., and Ayanna Maddox, Ph.D., discussed gender-responsive approaches and the importance of intersectionality in youth justice.

Building Inclusive Systems for Youth with Disabilities:

Experts like Alice Forrester, Ph.D., and Michael Powers, Psy.D., shared insights on developing supportive systems for youth with disabilities. The session emphasized collaboration between educational, medical, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive care and opportunities for these youth.

Rethinking Juvenile Justice Youth Housing: Community-Centered Solutions:

This session, featuring speakers such as Dishon Rucker and Erika Roberts, focused on innovative housing solutions for justice-involved youth. Discussions centered on community-based approaches that prioritize stability, support, and rehabilitation.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Building Bridges: Enhancing Public Safety Through Innovative Police-Behavioral Health Collaborations:

Panelists, including Lorenzo Boyd, Ph.D., and Wanda Jofre, LCSW, highlighted successful collaborations between police departments and behavioral health services. The session showcased programs that reduce juvenile justice involvement through early intervention and crisis response

The 2nd Annual Pathways to Success Conference by the Tow Youth Justice Institute was a HUGE success, fostering collaboration and innovation in youth justice and children’s behavioral health. The event provided a platform for sharing best practices, celebrating achievements, and inspiring continued efforts towards a more just and equitable system for all youth. With engaging keynote speeches, insightful breakout sessions, and the recognition of trailblazing leaders, the conference reinforced the importance of holistic, inclusive, and community-centered approaches to youth justice reform.