Juvenile Probation That Works!

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Nick started his career as a Juvenile Probation Officer in 2003, where he worked in numerous roles, as an officer including Intake, Diversion, Investigation, and Supervision. He worked as a manager for five years, and as an Assistant Director for juvenile probation, adult probation, and juvenile detention, since 2018. In 2021, Nick became the Assistant Director at Lake County Juvenile Probation and Detention Services where he currently oversees Juvenile Probation. This position includes managing the Redeploy Youth Supported by Evidence-Based Practices (RYSE) Program, a key initiative funded by Redeploy Illinois. The RYSE program is designed to reduce juvenile incarceration in the state by utilizing evidence-based practices including Functional Family Probation (FFP) and Effective Practices in Correctional Settings II (EPICS-II). The program is supported by a team of four officers and a unit manager who runs weekly FFP consultations, aiming to provide at-risk youth with the resources and guidance needed to be successful. Nick is a graduate of the American Probation and Parole Association’s Leadership Academy and has been a mentor in that program. Additionally, he has contributed to Illinois' recently established leadership program, helping develop the next generation of leaders in the probation field.

J.R. Griffin, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who has been practicing for 20 years. J.R. is a national expert in the treatment of adolescents and families, serving as a National Consultant and Trainer for Functional Family Therapy, LLC (FFT), an evidence-based treatment model. In addition to his expertise in family therapy, J.R. is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and is certified in Adoption Counseling. With a commitment and passion for evidence-based treatment, J.R. is able to provide specialized, person-centered treatment across the lifespan. He is known as an expert in being able to quickly establish therapeutic rapport with those who may be hesitant or resistant to engage in treatment. He combines evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach that matches to each person and family's unique needs, leading to improvement and healing in all life domains. In addition to his clinical experience, J.R. has spent many years training clinicians in the practice of evidence-based treatments, with a focus on providing the best care possible and finding hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation. He has been recognized for his creativity in helping provide the best treatment possible. J.R. has presented on the training of evidence-based practices at the Blueprints Conference in Denver, CO and at the NJAMHAA Conference in Trenton, NJ. J.R. holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and certificates in Adoption Counseling and Clinical Supervision from Rutgers University.

Annie is the Clinical Director of FFT Adaptations for FFT LLC, overseeing the national and international implementation of FFT-CW and FFT-CM. She also manages FFT and FFT-CW programing in New York City. Across these roles Annie works closely with provider organizations, community stakeholders, and child protection and justice system partners to ensure impactful, high-quality, and transformative FFT/FFT-CW services for youth and families. Annie serves as a key member of FFT LLC’s Executive Leadership Team in which she contributes to strategic planning, consultant development, quality clinical training, and the establishment of new initiatives. Annie has worked for FFT since 2003 and during her tenure has been instrumental in the development of the FFT-CW model, and other innovative programming including the ATLAS Initiative, the NYC FFT-IPAS aftercare program, and the movement to integrate evidence-based therapeutic and treatment programs in child protection and juvenile justice systems. Annie has a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in NY State. As the former Director of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) FFT Program, she oversaw the implementation of FFT Re-Entry programs serving adjudicated youth returning home from institutional care. Annie was initially trained as an FFT therapist while working in a community based mental health clinic in Brooklyn, NY. She lives in New York City with her family.