2026 Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Conference

The 2026 Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Conference, themed "Driving Change Together," is a one-and-a-half-day event scheduled for April 21-22, 2026, at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, Pennsylvania. Organized by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), the conference aims to unite criminal justice, behavioral health, and treatment professionals to explore collaborative approaches to reforming the criminal justice system and fostering meaningful change.

The conference agenda features three focused tracks: Behavioral Health & Justice, Gun Violence Reduction, and Reentry. Attendees can participate in sessions such as "Addressing Competency Crisis Using an Innovative Local Mobile Treatment Model," "Strengthening the Front Lines: Collaborative Models Between Domestic Violence Centers, Courts and Law Enforcement," and "Revving Up Reentry: How York's Reentry Opportunity Center is Fueling Community Partnerships & Cross-Intercept Innovation." Keynote speakers include Allan Kehler, who will present "Find Your Voice – Reclaim Your Power," Dr. Sylvia C. Washington discussing "Expanding the Frame: Advancing Intersectional Approaches to Community Violence Intervention," and El Sawyer with "Missing Persons: Reentry, and the Aftermath of Incarceration."

The conference offers ample networking opportunities, including breakout sessions and collaborative discussions designed to encourage cross-sector partnerships. Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided on both days. While there is no fee to attend, attendees are responsible for their own accommodations. A discounted room rate of $139.00 is available at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel for reservations made by March 20, 2026.

This conference is ideal for criminal justice professionals, behavioral health practitioners, treatment providers, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to engage in forward-thinking discussions and collaborations aimed at driving systemic change within the criminal justice landscape.