Transitions in the Juvenile Justice Work Group

As I’ve written before, the peer network that has developed within the Youth

Thanks Julie!

Transition Funders Group and across our grantees is one source of our influence.  Building a shared vision that lasts beyond our current jobs and into new positions continues to expand our influence and collective leadership.

The Juvenile Justice Work Group is experiencing leadership transitions that will continue to strengthen our work together. Julie Peterson, the coordinator for the JJ Work Group is leaving to take on a position at the Pinkerton Foundation in NYC.  She has done a tremendous job expanding the Juvenile Justice Work Group to over 100 participants, helping to shape a common framework known as the Juvenile Justice Blueprint, and organizing frequent phone conversations and meetings to help members stay on top of new research and trends.  We look forward to her continued participation in the JJ Work Group in her new role. Her past and future leadership is deeply appreciated.

We welcome Michelle Weemhoff, MSW as the new JJWG coordinator, beginning September 20, 2013.  Michelle brings a wealth of experience with juvenile justice reform that will provide invaluable depth to the work of the JJ Work Group.  As Associate Director at the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency, she is responsible for planning and implementing MCCD’s justice programs.  Using a research-based approach to advocacy and public policy development, Michelle has advanced a number of successful juvenile justice initiatives aimed at improving legal representation for youth, expanding alternatives to detention and incarceration, and reducing the practice of convicting and sentencing youth in the adult criminal justice system. Michelle currently serves as the Chair of the Michigan Juvenile Justice Collaborative and the Michigan Coalition for Children and Families.  She also participates in state-level policy workgroups, addressing child welfare, mental health, school justice, and racial equity.  Michelle is an active member of the National Juvenile Justice Network, serving as the Chair of NJJN’s 2013 Forum Planning Committee.  In addition to presenting at numerous state and national conferences, Michelle has co-authored “The Plight of Latino Youth in the Juvenile Justice System: Considerations for Mental Health Treatment” and “No Place Like Home: Making the Case for Wise Investment in Juvenile Justice.” Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Michigan.

Welcome Michelle!