2026 OJDDA Annual Conference

The 2026 OJDDA Conference brings together juvenile justice professionals for a dynamic gathering centered on connection — the foundation of meaningful work with youth and communities. This year’s conference explores how human connection strengthens outcomes not only for young people, but for the professionals who serve them.

Attendees will engage in sessions that highlight emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and self-awareness in high-stress environments. Through interactive workshops and reflective learning spaces, participants will examine how connection to self — including resilience, mindfulness, and professional purpose — enhances decision-making and prevents burnout.

The conference also emphasizes the power of collaborative relationships. Breakout discussions and cross-disciplinary panels will bring together probation officers, attorneys, educators, behavioral health providers, law enforcement professionals, and community partners to explore how coordinated responses improve youth outcomes. Sessions will address strengthening partnerships with families, fostering trust between schools and justice professionals, and promoting constructive engagement between youth and police.

Special focus will be placed on communication strategies that build credibility and respect across systems. Participants will learn practical tools for trauma-responsive practice, restorative dialogue, and culturally responsive engagement that honors the lived experiences of youth and families.

Beyond formal learning, the conference offers intentional networking opportunities designed to cultivate authentic peer connection. Shared meals, facilitated roundtables, and wellness spaces provide time to exchange ideas, process challenges, and build supportive professional networks.

The 2026 OJDDA Conference is more than a professional event — it is a space to reconnect with purpose, strengthen partnerships, and deepen the human connections that make juvenile justice work both impactful and sustainable.