This module will provide an overview of the role and responsibilities of the juvenile prosecutor inside and outside the courtroom. It encompasses procedural and ethical considerations along with an overview of the evolving and expanding role of the juvenile prosecutor. Discussion will also include the pivotal leadership role that prosecutors play across the justice continuum – from diverting cases prior to justice system involvement to addressing serious and violent offenders. Juvenile prosecutors are encouraged to stay current on science and research on youth and to be proactive in working with those in the community who serve youth, working collaboratively to reduce offending.

Anthony Pierro, Chief Juvenile/Domestic Violence Attorney

This module will help participant identify key elements of a comprehensive community-based gang reduction strategy and build partnerships to lead these efforts. Evidence-based strategies for community-based gang reduction efforts will be offered as well as background on what makes these programs effective. Participants should gain a thorough understanding of how gang interdiction efforts have worked in other communities under diverse partnerships.

Sean Baldwin, Senior Research Associate, Law Enforcement Officer

Dr. David Pyrooz, Associate Professor of Sociology and Faculty Associate of Prevention Science

With the recent rise in juvenile crime and the loss of community due to the pandemic, a conscious effort must be taken across the country to reintroduce community and efforts at mutual understanding into the lives of at-risk youth. Doing so in a thoughtful and inclusive way increases buy in and participation among all stakeholders. This module explains how to develop a youth/law enforcement curriculum and how the district attorney's office can be an effective change leader in supporting such a curriculum.

George Mosee, Esq., Executive Director, Retired Prosecutor

Rhonda McKitten, Esq., Project Director, Consultant

This module explains what types of juvenile offenders go on to commit serious and violent offenses. The research also covers risk factors for gang involvement and research-based practices for gang interdiction and family-based treatments. A discussion of the current rise in violent cases among juveniles nationally will also take place and possible interventions, including law enforcement community building, will be discussed.

Robert Kline, Assistant State's Attorney

Law enforcement cannot do their jobs well in communities that do not trust law enforcement. Lack of trust is one factor that can lead to violent outcomes for law enforcement and communities. Building trust between law enforcement and the communities it serves is critical to solving crime and the peaceful administration of justice. Attend this module to learn strategies help ensure safe, respectful interaction, and authentic long-term trusting relationships, ultimately resulting in safer, more unified communities. Proven strategies that have been practiced over time in numerous settings will be presented to increase positive interactions between law enforcement and youth.

Quentin Williams, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adverse Community Environments (ACEs) can have profoundly negative impacts on children and increase the likelihood that these children will end up in the courtroom as a victim or a defendant. In this presentation, a North Carolina District Attorney of a rural and suburban district will explore best practices and strategies for addressing adverse consequences within the legal system. The process of bringing law enforcement, the defense, the prosecution, and the court system together to create a more trauma-informed justice system that has won state-wide recognition for its efforts will be discussed.

Benjamin David, District Attorney

Over the past 25 years, there have been significant strides in what we know about the developing brain from birth through adolescence. This module will provide an overview of that research, along with promising practices and protocols that build resilience. We will explore topics including risk, resiliency, and protective factors, along with an examination of the underlying impact that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have on cognitive and emotional development and decision-making. This presentation will also cover the latest developments in research on adolescent brain development and examine how brain science has changed what we know about teenage behavior to assist prosecutors in becoming more familiar with the developmental approach. This will not only increase their understanding of the general principles, but will also inform their positions on intake, detention, and case.

We will hear closing remarks from the Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association, Nelson Bunn. 

Stacy Miller, J.D., CWLS, Assistant District Attorney, Team Leader