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Conference Highlights From Thursday, January 12

The morning plenary session began with presentations recognizing one program that exemplifies "what works." OJJDP Administrator, J. Robert Flores, presented plaques to representatives from the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex for their dedication to vocational educational programming and for their unique role in the conference (portfolios embroidered with the conference logo were produced at the Complex and given to each conference participant). Don Jordan, Acting Commissioner, Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority, and Michael Dempsey, Superintendent, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the positive development of juveniles in Kansas. The third recipient, Joshua May, a former inmate at the Complex, developed the portfolio idea while participating in the facility's textiles program and is now a student at Wichita State University, majoring in aeronautical engineering.

Following the award presentations, Dr. Robert Ballard spoke about his work in developing learning and adventure programs to reach at-risk youth. Probably best known for discovering the wreck of the Titanic, Dr. Ballard highlighted his involvement in the program "Immersion Presents." A partnership among the Office of Justice Programs, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Immersion Presents is developing adventure programs to reach at-risk youth across the nation.

Dr. Edward Latessa of the University of Cincinnati was the session's final speaker. A well-known expert on the use of evidence-based practices in criminal and juvenile justice programs, Dr. Latessa discussed the principles of effective juvenile justice programming and the importance of using research-driven strategies and practices.

Thursday's luncheon program was a celebration of mentors and mentoring. Bill Ripken, a 12-year major league baseball veteran, welcomed the group by saying, "We're here to recognize and celebrate you people. You are the real heroes for our youth." Mr. Ripken described the work being done by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing baseball and softball programs to underprivileged children, with the goal of inspiring them to be the best they can be and to reach for their dreams. The Foundation partners with Boys & Girls Clubs and schools to reach children through the game of baseball.

Mary Dandy spoke about her work as a mentor for the Foster Grandparents Program. Ms. Dandy, who mentors at a special needs school, said she had doubts about volunteering as a mentor, but one of her daughters said, "Mama, if you could put up with us, you can volunteer at this program." Ms. Dandy closed with, "We all can do mentoring!" The audience gave her a standing ovation.

Reverend Wilson Goode, former mayor of Philadelphia, said that "those who have been mentored will land in fertile soil." He described Amachi, a partnership of secular and faith-based organizations working together to provide mentoring to children of incarcerated parents. Reverend Goode said, "Every given day in America, there are 7.1 million children with one or both parents in jail, and they need our help. If we don't do mentoring, 70 percent of these children will end up in jail themselves."

The program closed with remarks by David Eisner, Chief Executive Officer, Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Mr. Eisner mentioned a landmark study by Public/Private Ventures, which found that at-risk youth with mentors were 46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 53 percent less likely to skip school, and 33 percent less likely to engage in physical fights. The study also found that young people with mentors were more likely to report positive attitudes about themselves and their families, and about their prospects for the future. Mr. Eisner said, "We (at CNCS) have found that mentoring, perhaps more than any other single act of volunteering, can bring great satisfaction and rewards to both the recipient and provider of service and to whole communities." He added that the demand for good mentors always exceeds the supply.