FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APPA Offers Exclusive Opportunity for Juvenile Probation Leaders

to Visit Pierce County, Washington

The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) is delighted to announce a unique opportunity for juvenile probation chiefs, deputy chiefs, or equivalent top leaders to visit their peers in Pierce County, Washington, home to Tacoma. This exclusive visit is designed to provide a firsthand look at the innovative juvenile justice practices in Pierce County, known for its progressive approaches to probation and community involvement.

Fifteen leaders will be selected through an open and competitive process to participate in this invaluable experience. The visit, scheduled for Tuesday to Wednesday, December 10 – 11, 2024 will include travel expenses, meals, lodging, and materials, thanks to the generous support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Participants are expected to arrive on December 9 and depart in the late afternoon on December 11.

Pierce County’s juvenile court exemplifies that most youth who encounter legal troubles can get back on track without incarceration or further justice involvement. The county has successfully implemented strategies rooted in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s vision for transforming juvenile probation. This visit will showcase how strong community partnerships and targeted reforms can maximize opportunities for young people to become successful adults. During the visit, Juvenile Court staff, community partners, and other stakeholders will share their insights into the successes and challenges.

Participants can expect to engage in authentic dialogue and learning about the history of reform efforts in Pierce County, connect with community partners to gain insights into the power of collaboration and the pursuit of high action and high alignment, understand how and why the court continues to expand and strengthen community partnerships to achieve results, and unpack organizational culture transformation and its contribution to systems innovation and accelerated results.

This opportunity is for county or city probation chiefs, deputy chiefs, or equivalent top leaders eager to innovate and transform probation in their jurisdictions. Leaders should be familiar with probation transformation and excited to learn from the leaders, staff, and community partners in Pierce County.

Applications are open until Monday, September 30, 2024, click here to submit your application. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by October 21. Selected participants will work with the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s travel agent to arrange travel plans.