Join Juvenile Probation Chiefs on Visit to Pierce County, Washington
![A diverse group of smiling adults gather outside of the Pierce County Juvenile Court Building.](https://assets.aecf.org/m/blogimg/_largeHeader/543311/Blog_piercecountyvisit_2024.jpg)
The American Probation and Parole Association is offering juvenile probation chiefs, deputy chiefs or equivalent leaders an opportunity to visit peers in Washington State’s Pierce County — home to Tacoma. Fifteen leaders will be selected for this trip through an open and competitive process. The visit is offered at no cost to attendees thanks to the association’s partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
This opportunity is for innovators who want to transform probation in their jurisdiction. Applicants should be familiar with probation transformation and excited to learn from leaders, staff and community partners in Pierce County.
Anticipated Site Visit Results
- Interact with and learn from the people behind reform efforts in Pierce County, including community partners.
- Understand how and why the court continues to expand and strengthen community partnerships in service of results.
- Appreciate the court’s organizational culture transformation and the role culture change plays in systems innovation and accelerated results.
“Site visits energize and equip leaders with knowledge to boost their own efforts and expand their thinking on how to do better for young people,” said Opal West, a senior associate with the Foundation.
Travel and Visit Logistics
The visit will be from Tuesday, Dec. 10, to Wednesday, Dec. 11, with the expectation that participants will arrive on Dec. 9 and depart late afternoon Dec. 11. Please only apply if you are certain that you can be away from your office and family on those dates.
The Casey Foundation will fund all trip-related expenses, including travel to and from Pierce County, meals, lodging and materials.
Applicants will be notified on Oct. 21 of their selection status. Selected participants will be connected to the Foundation’s travel agent who will make arrangements.
Why Pierce County Is a Probation Leader
Pierce County’s juvenile court demonstrates that most youth who get in trouble with the law can get back on track without any level of incarceration or justice involvement. Deploying strategies rooted in Casey’s vision for transforming juvenile probation, the county offers an example of what is possible when youth justice systems build strong community partnerships and pursue changes designed to maximize connections and opportunities for young people to become successful adults.
Read more about youth justice reform in Pierce County: