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.
Speakers(17)
Allan Kehler
BEd, BPhEd
Allan Kehler is a mental health advocate and speaker who shares his personal experiences with mental illness, addiction, and suicide to empower others to find their voice and step into their power.
Amy Evans
Diversion & Reentry Administrator at York County Probation Services
Amy Evans is the Diversion & Reentry Administrator at York County Probation Services, focusing on community partnerships and cross-intercept innovation.
Brandi Harrison
Project Manager at Allegheny County Department of Human Services Justice Collaborations
Brandi Harrison oversees projects aimed at improving justice collaborations within Allegheny County's Department of Human Services.
Chawna Griffith-Myers
Executive Director at York County Reentry Coalition
Chawna Griffith-Myers is the Executive Director of the York County Reentry Coalition, working on initiatives to fuel community partnerships and innovation in reentry services.
Chris Shanley
Director at Allegheny County Pretrial Services
Chris Shanley directs pretrial services in Allegheny County, focusing on improving pretrial processes and outcomes.
Elizabeth Van Nostrand
Associate Professor at Temple University’s Barnett College of Public Health
Elizabeth Van Nostrand is an associate professor at Temple University's Barnett College of Public Health, focusing on public health law and policy.
Jennifer Lopez-Cerrato
Chairperson at Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee
Jennifer Lopez-Cerrato is the Chairperson of the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee, leading efforts to integrate mental health considerations into the justice system.
Justin Cravener CRSS, CRS
Forensic Peer Specialist at York County Reentry Coalition, Life Changing Pathways
Justin Cravener is a forensic peer specialist with the York County Reentry Coalition, supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration.
Kenneth R. Harris, Jr.
Attorney
Kenneth R. Harris, Jr. is an attorney specializing in legal matters related to domestic violence and public safety.
Kirsten Kenyon
Executive Director at Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)
Kirsten Kenyon serves as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, overseeing statewide initiatives to enhance public safety and justice.
Melody J. Slashinski
PhD, MPH, Qualitative Methodologist
Dr. Melody J. Slashinski is a qualitative methodologist researching the implementation of Act 79 across Pennsylvania counties.
Melody J. Slashinski, PhD, MPH
Qualitative Methodologist
Dr. Melody J. Slashinski is a qualitative methodologist specializing in public health research.
Renee Madden
Program Manager at Mobile Competency Restoration Support Team, Centurion Health
Renee Madden manages programs focused on mobile competency restoration services at Centurion Health.
Richard A. Goldinger
District Attorney at Butler County
Richard A. Goldinger serves as the District Attorney for Butler County, overseeing legal proceedings and prosecutions.
Sheriff Michael T. Slupe
Sheriff at Butler County
Sheriff Michael T. Slupe leads law enforcement efforts in Butler County, focusing on community safety and collaboration.
Tracy Veri
Chief Executive Officer at VOICE
Tracy Veri is the CEO of VOICE, leading initiatives to reduce lethality and improve outcomes for domestic violence victims.
Tracy Veri, PhD
Chief Executive Officer at Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICE)
Dr. Tracy Veri is the CEO of VOICE, an organization dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence.
Event Details
- Date
- April 22, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Hershey, United States
- The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Criminal justice professionals, behavioral health practitioners, treatment providers, policymakers, and community leaders.