Certificate Program Courses and Fees

Foundations of Youth Development is a 6-hour online course, comprised of two separate three-hour sessions. The course will introduce the science of adolescent development, including normative cognitive, physical/neurological, social and emotional development, and the profound, pervasive and persistent effects of adverse childhood experiences on the developing brain. Participants will begin to understand milestones in adolescent development and how we learn as we enter adulthood, as well as the lingering effects of trauma and toxic stress, the predicting factors on youth outcomes in schools and communities, and possible trauma-informed responses that can improve outcomes across the systems influencing youth and families. Sessions will introduce strategies for conceptualizing and making decisions on prevention and/or intervention rooted in an understanding of normative and derailed youth development.

Foundations in Juvenile Justice is a 6-hour online course, comprised of two separate three-hour sessions. This course will address the history and current structure of the juvenile justice system, helping participants understand how youth move through the system in New Jersey and some of the important ways that juvenile justice is distinguished from criminal justice systems in our state and across the country. Participants will begin to gain perspective on changes to and surrounding New Jersey's system of juvenile justice, a shared vocabulary and understanding of the philosophies and theories underpinning juvenile justice reform, and knowledge about the legal and policy decisions that influence our work.

Cultural Competence in Juvenile Justice is a 6-hour online course, divided into two 3-hour sessions, that will address the importance of cultural competence and cultural humility. The definition of cultural competence has evolved over the years and trainings focused on cultural competence are more common than ever. Coupled with the respect for cultural and racial differences; is the need for discussions surrounding bias, implicit bias, microaggressions, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Eliminating bias is critical within all systems. This course will introduce various analytical approaches for understanding the dynamics of cross-cultural interactions and is designed to develop cultural competency in decision-making and problem-solving. While utilizing activities, videos and readings, this course will emphasize the practical applications of cultural competency and humility and how cultural incompetence can impact equal access to justice.

Engaging Youth and Families is a 6-hour online course that will present effective strategies for engaging youth and families who have become involved with the juvenile justice system and related systems of care. Participants will learn about both individual and organizational models for improving outreach, engagement, and retention of youth and families in services designed to reduce system involvement and improve youth outcomes, such as family counseling, intensive outpatient services, and psychiatric services. This course will also present information regarding the broad base of potential referral sources for youth and families looking to reduce their involvement in the justice system.

The JJYD Capstone is a 6-hour online course, comprised of two separate three-hour sessions. This course is designed to tie together all of the competencies students have gained throughout their participation in the certificate program. It is open to all participants who have completed 8 or more courses (the four core courses and at least 4 out of 5 required electives). The course consists of a multifaceted assignment that will draw upon your experiences and knowledge gained throughout the program and include a presentation session in which students will share their Capstone Project with other participants.

Youth come into contact with the juvenile justice system in a variety of ways and have a variety of experiences while they are involved in the juvenile system. From their referral to the system (e.g., school, police, family) to probation, treatment-focused responses, and detention, the juvenile system offers seemingly unending service options for responding to youth delinquency. This 6-hour online course will consider the continuum of juvenile justice contact, with special attention to evidence-based services that are developmentally informed and consider youths’ intersectional positions.

Adolescent Sexual Health: Navigating Norms & Influences covers normative adolescent sexual development and explores the various factors that can influence it, such as trauma, substance use disorders, internet/social media, pornography, and youth legal involvement. Additionally, the course will address sexual minority and cultural diversity and compile various strategies for sexual education for adolescents. Because this topic can be challenging for adults to navigate, the course will also offer practical exercises to help facilitate productive discussions with adolescents.

This six-hour online course, comprised of two separate three-hour sessions will highlight the ways in which suicide impacts youth involved with the Juvenile Justice System. This course will provide an opportunity to build the confidence needed to create safe and supportive environments where youth are more likely to disclose suicidal ideation and seek support. Participants will gain insight into how suicide prevention is one of individual, community, and societal responsibility. The course will also give an overview of practical strategies to use for suicide intervention with youth and families served by the Juvenile Justice Commission Continuum of Care.

Enhance your professional skills with theoretical understanding and practical knowledge in this 6-hour course. Restorative Justice: Principles in Practice for Youth will enrich leadership skills to advocate, develop, implement, and lead restorative justice practices and programs in your field. Participants will learn about the cultural and historical roots of restorative justice and obtain practical tips for implementation in education and juvenile justice systems.

Reentry for justice-involved youth is a challenge for every jurisdiction in our nation. In this course, participants will examine the research, effective evidence-based practices, diverse needs, area deficits, and programs specializing in reentry – specific to the needs of justice-involved adolescents. This course incorporates lectures, videos, interviews with subject matter experts, and short readings for discussion.

Reentry for justice-involved youth is a challenge for every jurisdiction in our nation. In this course, participants will examine the research, effective evidence-based practices, diverse needs, area deficits, and programs specializing in reentry – specific to the needs of justice-involved adolescents. This course incorporates lectures, videos, interviews with subject matter experts, and short readings for discussion.