Juvenile Justice Summit

Juvenile Justice Summit:
Building Stronger Futures Together

December 3-5, 2025
Orange Beach, AL

Overview

The Alabama Juvenile Justice Summit is a pivotal statewide forum dedicated to advancing the juvenile justice system in Alabama. This summit aims to unite stakeholders—including policymakers, practitioners, educators, community leaders, and youth advocates—to foster a shared understanding of the challenges facing youth and the communities served by Alabama’s juvenile justice system.

The purpose of the summit is to drive meaningful improvements in outcomes for youth by facilitating collaboration and innovation. Through engaging discussions, workshops, and presentations, participants will explore evidence-based practices, policies, and program implementation strategies. The summit will also serve as a platform to share critical data, research, and outcomes, empowering stakeholders to prioritize and address key issues effectively.

This event seeks to strengthen partnerships, inspire actionable solutions, and promote a juvenile justice system that uplifts Alabama’s youth and communities.

Available DatesDecember 3-5, 2025
Registration FeesEarly Bird – $199 (before October 31, 2025)
Standard – $249
LocationPerdido Beach Resort
Lodging Perdido Beach Resort
Keynote SpeakerBrett Peterson
Hasan Davis

Hosted by:

DYS logo
School of Social Work Youth Services Institute logo

Call for Posters

Poster Presentations are geared toward students (undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level) who have been learning about conducting research in juvenile justice and are looking to gain experience presenting their research at conferences. Additionally, clinicians or professors who have completed or are conducting research may apply to share their findings. Posters can share new findings, ideas, or research related to the field of juvenile justice.

Submission Guidelines
  • Poster presentations must be submitted via the online Poster Presentation Application.
  • Applications are due by October 15, 2025.
  • Incomplete submissions and submissions received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
  • Research may be presented as “proposed,” “in progress,” or “completed.”
  • Poster presenters may include students (undergraduate and graduate level), faculty, and practicing clinicians.
  • On the submission form, each poster may have up to 3 presenters.
  • Only one submission per Lead Presenter will be accepted. Lead Presenters may submit up to 3 presentations for review.
  • The Lead Presenter is responsible for ensuring the application is accurate and complete. You will not be notified if your submission is incomplete.
  • Each presenter must be registered for at least one day of the conference to present.
Poster Presentation Format
  • A visual presentation (no larger than 3′ x 4′ [36″ x 48″] and MUST BE mounted) of data, research, outcomes, advocacy, or other juvenile justice issues.
  • Posters should be in an illustrated or engaging format/layout.
  • Poster boards are placed on standing easels in a ballroom. Posters must be mounted on cardboard, poster board, or foam board.
  • At least one presenter for each poster is required to be at their poster during the entire length of the poster session. Presenters may not share more than one poster at a time.
  • Poster presenters may not request specific placement of their posters; all poster placement will be first-come, first-served.
Timeline
  • October 15, 2025:  End Date for Call for Poster Proposals
  • October 31, 2025:  Presenters Notified of Acceptance
  • November 7, 2025: Presenters Must Confirm Presentation and Register for Summit

Continuing Education Units

Continuing Education details will be available once the agenda is finalized.

Agenda

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
TimeSessionSpeaker(s)
1:00 – 1:30 pm

Welcome and Opening Remarks
1:30 – 3:00 pmKeynote Presentation:

The Dialectic of Leadership
Brett M. Peterson, JD., Founder, Justice Path Advisors
3:00 -3:30 pmBreak with Exhibitors
3:30 – 4:45 pm Breakout Sessions Group I 
Session 101

Building Resilience in Youth: Utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in Juvenile Justice Settings
Fatima Johnson, Ph.D, LPC-S, Alabama Department of Youth Services
Session 102

Family Matters: Engagement through Evidence-Based Strategies and Creative Solutions
Korah Skuce, LICSW, AMIkids Regional Director



Dr. Amy Bradshaw Hoppock, AMIkids Vice President, Behavioral Health
Session 103

Guiding Growth Through Education: Specialized Treatment Centers (STCs) Cultivating Positive Change In Juvenile Justice
Dr. Margaret M. Jones, Alabama State Department of Education, Education Administrator, Office of Charter Schools and Specialized Treatment Centers (STCs)
Session 104

Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) Funded Diversion Programs: Exploring how DYS invested in local Communities to Facilitate Improved Outcomes for Alabama Youth
Monica Roland, LICSW, Proposal Development Administrator, Youth Services Institute
Session 105

Breaking the Cycle: Analyzing Youth Crime Recidivism in Alabama
Lewis H. Lee, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Alabama



Mandi R. Fowler, PhD, LICSW-S, Youth Services Institute, The University of Alabama
Session 106

TBA
Brett Peterson, JD., Founder, Justice Path Advisors
5:30 – 6:30 pmReception
Thursday, December 4, 2025 
TimeSessionSpeaker(s)
8:30 – 10:00 amPanel PresentationModerator: Jason Granholm, Executive Director, Coosa Valley Youth Services
10:00 – 10:30 amBreak with Exhibitors
10:30 am -noonBreakout Sessions Group II 
Session 207

Credible Messengers As Community Health Care Providers
Eldra Jackson III; Executive Director-Inside Circle & CEO Legacy Vision Unlimited LLC
Session 208

Juvenile Justice & Day Treatment: a New Day, a New Way
David Gray and Team, St Clair County Day Program Inc.
Session 209

Education and Job Readiness Opportunities for Youth in Alabama
Dr. Tracy Smitherman, Superintendent of DYS School District



Dr. Tessa Brown, Assistant Director, Alabama Community College System
Session 210

Embedding Reentry Programming into the Weekly Schedule of Juvenile Justice Facilities: Linking What Works to Youth Needs for Brighter Futures
Kristine Jolivette, Ph.D., Paul W. and Mary Harmon Bryant Endowed Professor, University of Alabama



Olivia R. Hester, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, University of Alabama



Sara Sanders, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, University of Alabama
Session 211

Is Your Juvenile Justice System Making the Best Decisions?
Melissa Sickmund, PhD; Retired Director, National Center for Juvenile Justice
Session 212

Brains Under Pressure: How Stress and Trauma Shape Youth Behavior
Joy Winchester, M.S. Wired for Success: The Joy of Neuro, LLC
12:00 – 1:30 pmLunchLuncheon Presenter: Chief Justice Sarah Stewart
1:30 – 2:00 pmBreak with Exhibitors
2:00 – 3:15 pmBreakout Sessions Group III
Session 313

Credible Messengers As Community Health Care Providers
Eldra Jackson III; Executive Director-Inside Circle & CEO Legacy Vision Unlimited LLC
Session 314

Gang Violence: A Comprehensive Approach to Reducing or Eliminating Gang Violence in Juvenile Justice Facilities
Sharon Pette, CEO/Owner, Effective System Innovations (ESI) LLC



Felix Mickens, CEO, Mickens and Associates
Session 315

Wired for Survival: Understanding the Traumatized Brain in Justice-Involved Youth
Lindamarie Olson, PhD, LICSW, Assistant Professor, University of Alabama School of Social Work
Session 316

Hope, Accountability, and Change: Community-Based Treatment of Youth With Illegal Sexual Behavior
Jill R. Beck, Youth Services Institute, University of Alabama School of Social Work
Session 317

Justice with Dignity: Trauma-Informed Approaches in Juvenile Courtrooms
Jeff Hyatt, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer-Calhoun County

Cotina Stroud, LPC-S
Session 318

Is Your Juvenile Justice System Making the Best Decisions?
Melissa Sickmund, PhD; Retired Director, National Center for Juvenile Justice
3:30 – 4:45 pm Breakout Sessions Group IV 
Session 419

Best Practices for Treating Youth with Illegal Sexual Behavior in Residential Care: Clinical and Legal Considerations
Chastity Farr, PhD; Auburn University, Department of Psychological Sciences; Department of Youth Services ABSOP Program Clinical Director



Raven Livingston, PhD, LMFT; Auburn University, Department of Psychological Sciences; Department of Youth Services ABSOP Program Clinical Manager



Melody Nelson, MS, LMFT; Auburn University, Department of Psychological Sciences; Department of Youth Services ABSOP Program Training/Clinical Supervisor
Session 420

Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) Funded Diversion Programs: Exploring how DYS invested in local Communities to Facilitate Improved Outcomes for Alabama Youth
Monica Roland, LICSW, Proposal Development Administrator, Youth Services Institute
Session 421

Optimizing PowerSchool in Juvenile Justice Settings: Strategies for Improving Educational Outcomes
Lisa Baker, Educational Coordinator, Alabama Department of Youth Services – School District 210
Session 422

Grant Writing for Beginners
Laure E. Clemons, Executive Director, Extended Family
Session 423

From Children’s Policy Council to System of Services: A Roadmap for Community Transformation Based on the Dallas County, Alabama Model
Judge Robert Armstrong, III, CEO, Dallas County System of Services

Greg Dreveny, Chief Operations Officer, Dallas County System of Services

Astrid Craig, Senior Programs Officer, Dallas County System of Services

Rosemary Watters, CFO, Dallas County System of Services
Session 424

Brains Under Pressure: How Stress and Trauma Shape Youth Behavior
Joy Winchester, M.S. Wired for Success: The Joy of Neuro, LLC
Friday, December 5, 2025 
TimeSessionSpeaker(s)
8:30 – 9:45 am Breakout Sessions Group V 
Session 525

Gang Violence: A Comprehensive Approach to Reducing or Eliminating Gang Violence in Juvenile Justice Facilities
Sharon Pette, CEO/Owner, Effective System Innovations (ESI) LLC



Felix Mickens, CEO, Mickens and Associates
Session 526

Secondary Traumatic Stress: Best Practices for Staff Wellness and Self-Care in Juvenile Justice Settings
Brian Bride, Ph.D., Hill Crest Foundation Endowed Academic Chair in Mental Health, University of Alabama School of Social Work
Session 527

TBA
Session 528

Operationalizing Rehabilitation: Turning Behavior Science into Action
Daniel Sheridan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, Co-Director of Behavior Analytic Services, Department of Youth Services & Auburn University



Dr. Ashley Anderson, DYS and Auburn University
Session 529

TBA
Session 530

TBA
10:15 – 11:30 amKeynote PresentationHasan Davis, J.D., Founder/CEO, Hasan Davis Solutions L.L.C.

Keynote Speakers

Brett Peterson

Brett Peterson Bio

Brett Peterson is a nationally recognized leader in youth justice reform and implementation. With deep expertise in system operation and policy, he offers a unique ability to bridge complex policy theory with practical, real-world application. As the former Director of the Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services, Brett successfully oversaw the management of comprehensive care, from early intervention to secure facilities and parole. His leadership resulted in significant reforms, including landmark legislation that excluded youth under 12 from the formal system. Brett’s advocacy and expertise led to a more than 50% reduction in detention usage in Utah and the expansion of early intervention programs for thousands of youth.

Brett is the founder of Justice Path Advisors, where he leverages his extensive operational experience and trauma-informed perspective to help systems achieve excellence, accountability, and safety. A powerful and engaging speaker, he frequently addresses topics such as leadership, organizational culture, best practices, and policy frameworks. As the immediate past president of the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators, he has provided expert testimony to Congress and technical assistance to youth justice leaders in over 50 jurisdictions.

Hasan Davis

Hasan Davis
Hasan Davis Bio

As a youth, Hasan barely stayed one step ahead of the law.  After an early arrest as a pre-teen, expulsion from alternative school and a lifelong struggle with learning and behavior challenges, ADHD, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Hasan earned his GED and with encouragement and support decided to leave the life he knew well, for one he could hardly imagine.

Hasan talked his way into Berea College. And although he was expelled twice, he returned a third time, determined to prove that failure would not be his lasting legacy. With the renewed mindset Hasan earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communications from Berea College and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Hasan has been recognized for his professional and personal efforts serving children, youth, and families across a continuum of care from early education to juvenile justice, child welfare, and the arts. He is a Rockefeller Foundation-Next Generation Leadership Fellow, a Council of State Governments-Henry Toll Fellow, an Education Trust-Family Education Fellow, and an Annie E. Casey-Children and Family Fellow.

While leading complex youth service organizations Hasan has held firm to the belief that all children can find success when the adults in their world create and nurture hope.

In 2012 Hasan became Kentucky’s fifth Commissioner of Juvenile Justice. During his tenure he was instrumental in reforming Kentucky’s juvenile justice system. He has served as Chair of Kentucky’s Statewide Advisory group on Juvenile Justice, Vice-Chair of the Federal Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and was recently appointed to Kentucky’s Children’s Justice Act Taskforce and currently serves and it’s Chair.

In 2015 Davis founded Hasan Davis Solutions to continue his work supporting youth and families across the nation by creating meaningful engagement, coaching, and training experiences for the amazing teams of professionals committed to transformational youth success in justice, education, and social service environments.

Hasan is also the author of four books and an actor, researching, producing and performing interpretative living history programs that highlight the important but often unacknowledged contributions of African Americans to the shaping of America. His most celebrated program chronicled the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition through the eyes of the mission’s most unique member, York the Black explorer enslaved by the expedition’s Co-Captain, William Clark.

Hasan lives in Berea Kentucky with his wife Dreama, a national Expert in Rural Access to cradle-to-career success and their two college age sons.

Conference Location and Lodging

HotelPerdido Beach Resort
Cost$135/night
Room Block Datesuntil November 3, 2025

Lodging is the responsibility of the attendee.

A room block is available at Perdido Beach Resort.  The discounted room rate of $135 is available until the block fills or until November 3, 2025.

You will receive the hotel booking code in your registration confirmation email.


Registration

Register Online

You will be taken to our online registration area. The screen will look different from this part of our website and will open in a new window. You will click on the year that you wish to register for. If you register more than one person, each must have an individual email address to utilize the online registration system.

Register by Phone

Our Registration Services Office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. To register by phone or for inquiries regarding your registration, please call 205-348-3000.

Special Accommodation Requests

The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.

Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

Cancellation Policy

A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Any changes to the session registration type (example: in-person to virtual or virtual to in-person) within seven (7) calendar days of the program will be assessed a $25.00 administrative fee.  Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine class sections, to limit registration or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.

Sponsorship Levels for the Juvenile Justice Summit

The Juvenile Justice Summit connects your business with an engaged audience interested in learning and developing their toolbox. Choose a level below to reach your targeted audience.

Premier Sponsor $20,000 (1 available)

Only one premier sponsor opportunity is available and includes the following:

  • Welcome Reception Sponsor
  • Exhibit table in a prime location
  • 2-3 minutes to talk about your organization at the welcome reception
  • Five (5) conference passes
  • Logo on the conference website
  • Company name included in conference email communication to attendees
  • Company logo listed in sponsor recognition slides displayed at the summit
  • Recognition in the conference app
  • Recognition on social media
  • Recognition during reception
Luncheon Sponsor $15,000 (1 available)

Only one luncheon sponsor opportunity is available and includes the following:

  • Exhibit table in a prime location  
  • 2-3 minutes to talk about your organization at the Luncheon
  • Four (4) conference passes 
  • Logo on the conference website 
  • Company name included in conference communication to attendees 
  • Recognition in the Conference App
  • Recognition during the conference luncheon  
  • Company logo listed in sponsor recognition slides 
Breakfast Sponsor $10,000 (2 available)

Only two sponsor opportunities are available and include the following:

  • Exhibit table in a prime location  
  • 2-3 minutes to talk about your organization at the end of the breakfast
  • Three (3) conference passes 
  • Logo on the conference website 
  • Company name included in conference communication to attendees 
  • Recognition in the Conference App
  • Recognition during the conference breakfast
  • Company logo listed in sponsor recognition slides 
Conference Bag or Notebook Sponsor $7,500 (2 available)

Only two sponsor opportunities are available and include the following:

  • Company logo on the conference bag or notebook (sponsor’s choice based on availability)
  • Exhibit table in a prime location  
  • Two (2) conference passes 
  • Logo on the conference website 
  • Company name included in conference communication to attendees 
  • Recognition in the Conference App
  • Company logo listed in sponsor recognition slides 
Break Sponsor $5,000 (2 available)

Only two sponsor opportunities are available and include the following:

  • Exhibit table in a prime location  
  • Two (2) conference passes 
  • Logo on the conference website 
  • Company name included in conference communication to attendees 
  • Recognition in the Conference App
  • Recognition during the conference break
  • Company logo listed in sponsor recognition slides 
Exhibit Table  $2,000 (6 available)

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting?   Submit an application here.

Questions about the conference?

Contact Amanda Bergeron for more information.