2026 Youth Justice in Action Conference
Location:
Pittsburgh, PA
Date:
October 13 – 15, 2026
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!!
This impactful convening will coincide with Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM)—a national movement dedicated to raising awareness about the needs of young people impacted by the justice system and taking action in local communities nationwide.
Each October, YJAM brings together advocates, policymakers, practitioners, and—most importantly—youth, to advance a vision that all children, youth, and families have opportunities to live safe, fulfilling lives in their communities. For years, CJJ has proudly played a leading role in organizing and participating in YJAM initiatives. From policy briefings and public education campaigns to storytelling projects led by directly impacted young people, we strive to ensure that youth voices are at the forefront.
In pursuit of CJJ’s mission to convene national, state, and local partners to educate on and advocate for youth-serving systems to be fair, effective, and rooted in community, we convene each October to plant seeds of change and cultivate growth opportunities for effective system improvement. This year’s conference will focus on activating practitioners and systems leaders to take concrete steps that support reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the youth legal system and uplifting young leaders, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. Our agenda will feature a community-led service project, dynamic learning workshops, and opportunities for national dialogue and innovation.
Conference Agenda– Coming Soon
Registration– Coming Soon
Conference Focus: TBA
Hotel Reservations
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
600 Commonwealth Pl
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Sponsors and Exhibitors Opportunities
The Andrew Smith Award
This award is presented by CJJ to a Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator who has made outstanding contributions to the elimination of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the juvenile justice system. The award is named to honor Andrew Smith, an incredible voice for youth and a pivotal agent of change. Mr. Smith served as New Hampshire’s Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinator and was responsible for the creation of the Mirror Project, an effort to bring together law enforcement and youth. He served on CJJ’s Executive Board as the Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Chair.
Andrew Smith was a passionate youth justice advocate, respected community leader, and a tireless champion for racial and ethnic equity in the juvenile justice system. He served as New Hampshire’s Racial and Ethnic Disparities (R/ED) Coordinator and as Chair of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice’s (CJJ) Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Committee.
Through his leadership, Andrew made a lasting impact on the community of New Hampshire, working closely with youth, families, system leaders, and grassroots organizations to confront systemic disparities and promote meaningful reform. He believed deeply in community-led solutions, youth empowerment, and the need to bring people together across lines of difference to create real, lasting change.
Andrew’s visionary work included the creation of The Mirror Project, a transformative, youth-led initiative that fostered dialogue and understanding between young people and law enforcement. Rooted in his belief in equity through empathy, this project remains a powerful example of how storytelling and connection can drive system change.
Andrew’s legacy lives on, both in New Hampshire and across the country. Each year, CJJ proudly presents the Andrew Smith Award to a Racial and Ethnic Disparities (R/ED) Coordinator who exemplifies the same courage, compassion, and commitment to justice that Andrew brought to all he did.
The winner of the 2025 Andrew Smith Award will be honored at CJJ’s 2025 Youth Justice in Action Conference in Minneapolis, MN.