The conference welcomed about 350 juvenile justice professionals from across Texas. It kicked off with a pre-conference focusing on the nuts and bolts of juvenile law, followed by more advanced topics during the rest of the conference. Distinguished professionals presented on various topics aimed at enhancing the juvenile justice system. The speakers demonstrated great passion and enthusiasm in sharing their knowledge and expertise.
For the fourth year, the Juvenile Law Section hosted disciplinary caucuses with facilitated discussion, providing a place to network within an individual’s personal discipline and discuss best practices, current issues, and ways to improve the system.
The Juvenile Law Section honored Nydia Thomas with the Robert O. Dawson Visionary Leadership Award. Juvenile Law Section members submit nominations for the award, which is given to an individual who has unselfishly devoted time to juvenile justice in Texas. Nydia serves as Special Counsel for TJJD and answers questions from juvenile justice probation officers and practitioners across Texas.
She has provided legal education training to many juvenile practitioners and for years, has been an important part of the legislative process as it relates to juvenile justice. She has led numerous workgroups and legislatively created task forces, such as the Fingerprint Advisory Committee, Juvenile Records Committee, and Task Force on the Treatment of Juvenile Sex Offenders. After each session, she has been both an author and managing editor of the Juvenile Law Section’s Special Legislative newsletter, which provides an in depth look at legislative changes that may impact juvenile justice.
Nydia also currently serves as managing editor of the book, Texas Juvenile Law, first written and edited by Robert Dawson. Nydia is extremely deserving of the Robert O. Dawson Visionary Leadership Award, as she embodies what we hope for from the leaders in this field.
The Juvenile Law Foundation, a 501(c)(3), hosted a golf tournament, raffle and auction to raise funds for college scholarships to kids involved in the juvenile justice system. This year, the Foundation raised over $12,000 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 32nd Annual Juvenile Law Conference scheduled for Feb. 24-27, 2019 in Austin.
– Kristy M. Almager, Director, Juvenile Justice Training Academy, TJJD
PHOTO: Kaci Singer, Chair-Elect of the Juvenile Law Section, presents Nydia Thomas with distinguished award.