Purpose
The Juvenile Justice Certificate Program was developed in alignment with the UNO and School of Criminology and Criminal Justice strategic vision for ongoing workforce development and advancing the professionalism of the juvenile justice field.
Who Should Enroll
The Juvenile Justice Certificate Program is open to anyone working with youth at risk of or involved in the juvenile justice or related systems (for example, child welfare, education, etc.). The program is designed to expand a participant's knowledge of what works and develop skills they can apply directly with youth they serve. Individuals likely to benefit the most from the curriculum are those who have a passion for working with at-risk youth but have limited education and/or juvenile justice experience, have education outside the juvenile justice field, or those with a desire to learn and stretch their knowledge and skills.
Cohorts will be limited to approximately 25 people.
Goals
The Juvenile Justice Certificate Program aims to impact Nebraska’s juvenile justice workforce by:
- Developing the capacity of current and future juvenile justice professionals to implement best practices in their organizations and Nebraska's juvenile justice system.
- Equipping future juvenile justice leaders with the knowledge to lead Nebraska in an evidence-based manner.
- Growing a statewide network of juvenile justice professionals who act as a resource and support to each other and their communities.
Program Curriculum
Each month will focus on a theme critical to juvenile justice work. Core concepts of equity and inclusion; positive youth development; motivational interviewing; and restorative, and reflective practice will be imbedded in each session. The monthly themes will include but not limited to: Foundations of Juvenile Justice; Juvenile Justice Reform and Implementation Science; Adolescent Development; Restorative Practice; Screening, Assessment, and Evaluation; Treatment and Intervention; Policy and Leadership; Youth and Family Engagement; Education and School to Prison Pipeline.
This program is highly interactive and led by numerous local and national experts, as well as youth with lived experience.
Program Format
Participants will meet monthly from September through April. The program begins with a two-day foundational session at UNO campus in September. The months of October, December, February, and April will meet one day a month via zoom. The class will meet one day a month in person at UNO in November and March, and in Lincoln in January. A program completion celebration and capstone project presentation will be held at the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association (NJJA) Conference in May.
Participants will have brief assignments in preparation for each month and an application assignment after each session through the NU Advance Learning Management System (LMS). These assignments are designed to connect to participants’ day to day work. You should plan to spend approximately 1-2 hours a month preparing for class and 1-2 hours a month on application assignments. A manageable capstone project will be required for completion of the program. Participants will learn about and apply implementation science concepts to assist in successful completion of their project.
Cost
The cost for the program is $1,999. This cost covers all program materials and fees, meals for onsite days, and registration and lodging for NJJA. Cost for travel and lodging are the responsibility of the participant. The program fee will be due by September 1, 2024.
How to Enroll
The 2025-2026 cohort application period is open. Apply here. Deadline to apply is Sep 1, 2025.
Dates
- September 29 & 30 – UNO Dodge Campus | Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC)
- October 28 – UNO | CEC
- November 18 – UNO | CEC
- December 16 – Hybrid (those wishing to join in person will meet at the CEC, others traveling longer distances can join by zoom)
- January 28 – Lincoln (Location TBD)
- February 24 – UNO
- March 24 – UNO
- April 14 – UNO
- May 6-7 – Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association Conference | Kearney, NE
Class Biographies
Capstone Projects
For Questions or Further Information
Please submit any questions about the application process or the program to unojji@unomaha.edu.