The Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice (WA-PCJJ) is seeking nominations for the fourth annual Spirit of Youth Award. The award recognizes and celebrates a young adult who has made great strides following involvement with the juvenile justice system; has overcome personal obstacles; and is today making significant contributions to society. A $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, to attend a Washington State college, university or vocational/technical school will be given to the winner.
The award also provides the WA-PCJJ and the public with an important opportunity to learn from a young person’s direct experience about the hard work and dedication it takes to build a better life, and how juvenile justice professionals and systems can help most effectively.
Criteria:
The award recipient must be:
- Under the age of 24,
- A person who was adjudicated delinquent and involved in the Washington State juvenile justice system,
- Must have completed Parole and/or Probation conditions,
- Currently involved, directly or indirectly, in bettering the lives of youth, and
- Has no outstanding court fines or restitution owed to victim(s) OR is demonstrating consistent payments of restitution in accordance with a court order.
Nomination and selection process:
The WA-PCJJ commits to the promotion the Spirit of Youth Award by distributing nomination forms to state and community organizations and media, as well as posting the announcement on the WA-PCJJ website at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/practice/practice-improvement/ojj.
Outlined below is the 2019 nomination and selection process timeline:
- Nomination process announced and distributed May 10, 2019
- Nominations due to WA-PCJJ May 31, 2019
- Evaluation period for nominations received June 3-7, 2019
- Award presented July 31, 2019
Please visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/practice/practice-improvement/ojj to download the nomination form. The WA-PCJJ will maintain strict confidentiality when handling award nomination forms.