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TJJD Partners with the Juvenile Law Section to Host 30th Annual Juvenile Law Conference

HORSESHOE BAY, Texas – On February 27-March 1, the Juvenile Law Section of the State Bar of Texas sponsored the 30th Annual Juvenile Law Conference in Horseshoe Bay. TJJD’s Juvenile Justice Training Academy coordinated the conference in partnership with the Juvenile Law Section and welcomed approximately 400 juvenile justice professionals from across the state. The agenda focused on the 50th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case In Re: Gault and was specifically designed to give practitioners the latest and most pertinent information relevant to juvenile justice in Texas. During the conference, distinguished professionals presented on various topics that benefited all facets of professionals wanting to enhance the juvenile justice system. Collectively, speakers demonstrated great passion and enthusiasm in their ability to share their knowledge and expertise.


For the third year, the Juvenile Law Section hosted disciplinary caucuses with facilitated discussion. These caucuses provide a means to network within an individual’s personal discipline and discuss best practices, current issues, and share trends within the scope of his or her functional area to support a continued dialogue for ways to implement an overall improved system.


The Juvenile Law Section honored Laura Parker with the Robert O. Dawson Visionary Leadership Award. Nominations were submitted by members of the Juvenile Law Section and is given to an individual who has unselfishly devoted time to the cause of juvenile justice in Texas. Laura Parker, who served for 17 years as the District Court Judge for the 386th District Court in Bexar County, has been an advocate for juveniles in Texas and her efforts advanced the development of innovative juvenile justice programs. As District Judge, she presided over three specialty courts including Restore Court for adolescent victims of human sex trafficking, the 386th Drug Court for drug dependent youth, and Crossroads, a mental health program for girls.


This year also marked the 30th anniversary of the Juvenile Law Section and this milestone was celebrated with a fun-filled anniversary party. The Juvenile Law Foundation, a newly created 501(c)(3), hosted a golf tournament and silent auction to raise funds for providing college scholarships to kids involved in the juvenile justice system. This year, the Foundation raised over $13,000 to help support those scholarships.


TJJD and the Juvenile Law Section would like to thank everyone who attended, and is looking forward to hosting the 31st Annual Juvenile Law Conference. For more information, please contact Kristy Almager at 512.490.7125 or Kristy.Almager@tjjd.texas.gov.


Photo: Beverly Bryant and Attorney Brian Fischer enjoying their time at the Luau and Gaulf Tournament
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