Making A Difference in Juvenile Justice - JDAI Helpdesk

Leonard G. Cooke
Director
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Criminal Justice Services
202 N. Ninth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 786-4000
FAX (804) 371-8981
TDD (804) 786-8732
June 19, 2008
Dear Participant:
On behalf of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the
Making a Difference in Juvenile Justice conference sponsored by the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the
Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice.
This conference is designed to provide in-depth training on every-day challenges for those of you who work with
youth. This year’s budget situation has brought about additional challenges with travel restrictions. I understand that
because of budget constraints, some of you are paying some of your own expenses to attend this event, and some must
commute back and forth each day. I would like to personally thank each of you for the sacrifices that you are making to
be with us.
In addition to our conference sessions, the third annual Virginia Spirit of Youth Award will be presented to one
of the nominated young adults who has made great strides following involvement with the juvenile justice system, has
overcome personal obstacles, and is today making significant contributions to society. This is a wonderful opportunity
to hear from someone within the system who was impacted by individuals like each of you who made a difference
in their lives. I encourage you to keep this award in mind throughout the year and consider nominating someone
deserving for next year’s award.
I hope that you enjoy this conference and use it as an opportunity to learn from your colleagues and from the
presenters who are experts in their field.
Sincerely,
Leonard G. Cooke
Director
Criminal Justice Service Board • Committee on Training • Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice
Advisory Committee to Court Appointed Special Advocate and Children’s Justice Act Programs
Private Security Services Advisory Board • Criminal Justice Information Systems Committee