On the second Friday of every month, the 7^th cohort of the Tow Youth Justice Institute’s Transforming Youth Justice Program meets at the University of New Haven’s Orange Campus. Fifteen (15) professionals are participating in this year’s nine-month program which kicked off in September, hearing from guest speakers and learning collaboratively with one another. The TYJP cohort has an opportunity to build their capacities as leaders and agents of change for their communities, with the program culminating in individual capstone projects.

On Friday, October 14^th, the group had a session with guest speakers William H. Carbone, Executive Director and Erika Nowakowski, Associate Director of the Tow Youth Justice Institute. The 15 youth justice and community leaders learned about Connecticut’s juvenile justice system, legislative reform that has taken place and Juvenile Justice Policy Oversight Committee (JJPOC).

Carbone discussed the history of the juvenile justice system in Connecticut, what reform has looked like in the state, and lessons learned from its history. The most important driver of change that is robust and sustainable is passion for the population, something the 7^th Cohort has in spades.

Nowakowski explored the most important practices of exemplary leaders. She discussed ways to model behavior as a mentor and inspire others while empowering them to act within their communities. Leaders encourage the heart while being unafraid to challenge the process. The Cohort also learned about the evolution of the JJPOC through their strategic goals. Upcoming topics include childhood trauma, restorative practices, LGBTQ+ and racial issues in the juvenile system, and victim advocacy skills.