Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence

JOHNS HOPKINS CENTER FOR THE PREVENTION OF YOUTH VIOLENCE: ITEMS OF INTEREST OUR COMMUNITY, OUR RESPONSIBITY; WAGING PEACE

October 14, 2008

Of Special Note

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT OTHERS INTERESTED IN REDUCING YOUTH VIOLENCE SHOULD KNOW? PLEASE SEND INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE INCLUDED IN OUR ITEMS OF INTEREST TO [email protected].

 Baltimore teens go digital with their “stop the violence videos” on the newly created free download website, “Better My World.” (www.bettermyworld.org). With hip-hop music videos for YouTube, ringtones, wallpapers, and cell phone downloads, the website enables Baltimore teens to share their violence prevention messages with friends using the latest digital technologies.

The “Better My World” website features free downloads of two hip-hop violence prevention music videos performed by DK aka Wayne Watts and 5th L performing artists, David Ross and Femi Lawal. The site also features Baltimore teens with personal videos to share, as well as violence prevention ringtone downloads. Students from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and New Era Academy appear in the videos.

Video Press, University of Maryland School of Medicine; The Violence Prevention Program of The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and Baltimore City Health Department Safe Streets partnered in this video project to create a new digital world with an expansive offering of digital products for teens to voice their concerns about violence in Baltimore City and their dreams for a better life. Videos for this project have been produced by Academy Award-winning producer Susan Hannah Hadary and funded by The Abell Foundation.

To kick off digital violence prevention, the following events will take place in two locations: To formally announce this violence prevention project will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. Listed below are the sponsors, location and the time of each event.

12:00 p.m. “Better My World” Video Location: Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, 420 S. Chester Street, Baltimore, Md. 21231. Hip- hop video artist DK aka Wayne Watts shares his performance video, “Baltimore, STV,” followed by personal violence prevention video messages from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School students. After the performance, faculty and DK aka Wayne Watts will be available for interviews.

3:00 p.m. “Violence, Is It Worth It?” Video Location: R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Auditorium, located on the 1 st floor of Shock Trauma, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, Md. 21201 The Shock Trauma Violence Prevention Program will present the 5th L performance prevention video and New Era Academy scholars. Following the performance, 5th L artists David and Femi; New Era Academy scholars; and staff from the Violence Intervention Program will be available for interviews.

 Baltimore, MD: The Open Society Institute–Baltimore presents a forum: From Sanctions to Services: Best Practices for the Rehabilitation of Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System. October 15, 2008, 10:00 – 11:30am at Open Society Institute – Baltimore, 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 1300, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. A Presentation and Discussion with Dr. David M. Altschuler, Principal Research Scientist, The Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, & Mr. Douglas W. Young, Senior Research Associate, Institute for Governmental Service and Research, University of Maryland. Drawing from the latest research in Maryland and nationwide, the guests will highlight promising policies and practices for the delivery of rehabilitative services to young offenders who are on probation, committed to juvenile facilities, and transitioning back to the community. Please RSVP to Justin Schaberg at [email protected] or 410-234-1092 ext. 213 by October 8, 2008.

 Baltimore, MD: Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Community Justice Series: Community Justice – Juvenile Delinquency. October 15, 2008, 6;00 – 8:00pm - Juvenile Delinquency Trends. UMB Biopark Auditorium at the University of Maryland Baltimore, 800 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

 Baltimore, MD: Alive & Free Conference. October 17-18, 2008. In the continuing effort to stop the violence and help keep youth alive and free, the Street Soldiers National Consortium along with the Safe Healing Foundation will host the next Alive & Free National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on October 17 - 18, 2008. The goal is to teach conference participants the Alive and Free Prescription so that it can be implemented in schools and programs in Baltimore and in neighboring communities. The conference will take place at the Historic Lake Clifton Campus, the home of Doris M. Johnson and Heritage High Schools, where the Alive & Free Prescription is currently being successfully implemented. Learn more http://omegaboysclub.org/contents.htm and register online http://www.aliveandfreeconference.com/

 Baltimore, MD: Marylanders for Juvenile Justice Reform Information Discussion and Forum. October 29, 2008, 6:30pm, New Shiloh Baptist Church. Disproportionate Minority Confinement – Over representation of African American males incarcerated in the juvenile justice system. RSVP Cameron Miles 410-547-9200 x3002 or Kimberly Armstrong-Hughes [email protected].

 Baltimore City Public Schools High School Dropout Resource Fair. Oct. 15: 2pm-8pm at Northwestern High School, 6900 Park Heights Ave.; Oct. 18: 10am-3pm at Success Academy, 200 E. North Ave.; Oct. 22: Southside Academy, 2700 Seamon Ave.; and Oct. 23: Edmondson- Westside High School, 501 Athol Ave. 443-984-2000.

 “Breaking the Cycle” Radio Dialogue. October 19, 2008 2:00-4:00 p.m. Brother Bey, the founder of the Fraternal Order of X-Offenders, hosts a weekly radio show on W.O.L.B (1010 am) that presents community-based, ex-offender driven efforts in Baltimore and elsewhere that are helping to break the cycle of violence. The primary focus of the F.O.X.O.’s “Breaking The Cycle” Radio Dialogue is to extend discussion, increase consideration of community-driven alternatives, and initiate and expand the collective action needed to deter, decrease and prevent the pandemic of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality gripping Baltimore and many other communities. The radio show provides a voice to those attempting to change their thinking and behaviors, informing ex-offenders, their families, and others of opportunities, increasing access to strategies that work, and exposing those that don’t. You are invited to call in to the radio program at 410-481-1010. To learn more about FOXO, visit their website at hhtp://www.foxo.us or email Brother Bey at [email protected] or [email protected] or call 410-262-4456. Information about the new FOXO training DVD: The Psychology and Sociology of Criminology also is available on the website http://foxo.us/

 Project P.E.A.C.E. (Proper Education Always Corrects Errors), a collaboration between PAA and F.O.X.O. The P.E.A.C.E. program, developed and implemented by ex-offenders, connects other ex-offenders with needed resources and uses the power of peer influence to facilitate the cognitive restructuring and personal supports needed for successful re-integration. “In order to truly make Baltimore safer, we need to help ex-offenders become productive citizens,” Mayor Sheila Dixon said. “Project P.E.A.C.E. is going to help a lot of people fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to those around them.” The P.E.A.C.E. program addresses a variety of social and behavioral issues confronting ex-offenders, including: short term and long term housing, emergency shelter, transitional housing, substance abuse, parenting, GED services, employment and job placement, financial literacy and HIV/AIDS information and education. In addition to the 12-Step Lifeskills Workshops and services such as emergency shelter, transitional housing, and linkage to other services, the P.E.A.C.E. project provides individual supports from individuals who have turned around their lives and who serve as mentors and positive role models. For additional information or referrals, call Project P.E.A.C.E. at 410 367-8393 or Brother Bey at 410 262-4456.

Quick Glance at this week’s Items of Interest

New Events/Conferences/Trainings 1. Obstacles to the Development and Use of Pharmacotherapies for Addiction. November 7, 2008. 2. Baltimore, MD: Science Grant Writing. November 19, 2008.

Up-Coming Events/Conference/Trainings 3. Washington, DC: Safe Kids Worldwide – 2008 Child Injury Prevention Conference. October 15-18, 2008 4. Lawrence, KS: The Kansas Conference in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology: Translating Research into Practice. October 16-18, 2008. 5. Bowie, MD: Maryland’s Crime Victims’ Resource Center Inc. (MCVRC) 5th Annual Chocolate Affair. October 17, 2008, 7:00 – 10:00pm 6. Charlottesville, VA: Restorative Justice Association of VA Annual Conference. October 20, 2008. 7. Providence, RI: Department of Labor YouthBuild Conference & Site Visit Seminar. October 21-22, 2008. 8. Wilmington, DE: The 2008 Nemours Conference on Child Health Promotion: Advocacy, Policy, and Progress in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity. October 23-24, 2008. 9. Webcast: The Real Costs of Teen Motherhood. October 23, 2008 10. Baltimore, MD: The Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc. Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony. October 23, 2008

Noteworthy 11. Maryland task force recommends steps to increase number of teachers. 12. Call for Presenters - National Center for Victims of Crime.

Reports, Research & Recent Publications 13. The Evaluation of School-Based Violence Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis 14. Publications from The Urban Institute. http://www.urban.org/

Resources 15. School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program. 16. Developing Safe Schools Partnerships--Spotlight on Mental and Juvenile Justice.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 17. PBIS Maryland Events

Funding Opportunities/Scholarships/Awards 18. The Influence of Religiosity and Spirituality on Health Risk Behaviors in Children and Adolescents. 19. Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program.

Job & Volunteer Opportunities 20. Baltimore, MD: Research Assistant - Casey Strategic Consulting Group. 21. Baltimore, MD: Out-of-School-Time Opportunity Program Director – Safe and Sound Campaign.

Previously Posted Events/Conferences/Training

New Events/Conferences/Training

1. Obstacles to the Development and Use of Pharmacotherapies for Addiction. November 7, 2008. 8:30 am-5:00pm. University of Maryland School of Law, 500 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. The conference will explore the impediments that exist at each stage of drug development and uptake, including obstacles at the pharmaceutical company level; obstacles relating to clinical trials and the FDA approval process; patient reluctance to use and provider reluctance to screen for and prescribe medications to treat addiction; and gaps in insurance coverage for these medications. A conference panel will also be devoted to discussing the experience of drug court judges and work of scholars who have studied the use of pharmacotherapies to treat addictions in the courts and prisons. More information http://www.law.umaryland.edu/faculty/conferences/detail.html?conf=71.

2. Baltimore, MD: Science Grant Writing. November 19, 2008. One-day workshop will assist faith- based and community organizations in preparing a competitive grant application for Federal funding. Workshop topics include: proposal writing techniques, how to access HUD and other government funds, HUD grants available to nonprofit organizations, and HUD common factors for awards. The workshop is intended for organizations that have their organizational board established, administrative package prepared, service program or development project identified, and feel ready to compete for Federal grant funding. More information http://www.hud.gov/offices/fbci/

Upcoming Events/Conferences/Training

3. Washington, DC: Safe Kids Worldwide – 2008 Child Injury Prevention Conference. October 15- 18, 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.safekids.org/conference2008/.

4. Lawrence, KS: The Kansas Conference in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology: Translating Research into Practice. October 16-18, 2008. http://www.continuinged.ku.edu/programs/ccap/

5. Bowie, MD: Maryland’s Crime Victims’ Resource Center Inc. (MCVRC) 5th Annual Chocolate Affair. October 17, 2008, 7:00 – 10:00pm Florian Hall, 13701 Old Jericho Park Road, Bowie. Fundraiser and auction featuring delicious food and desserts. Your support, attendance, auction purchases and auction donations will enable MCVRC to continue serving crime victims. MCVRC is a non-profit organization that provides free support and legal services to victims across Maryland and in federal court from its offices in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County. Make your reservations now! Just $50 per person. 301-952-0063 or 1-877-VICTIM1.

6. Charlottesville, VA: Restorative Justice Association of VA Annual Conference. October 20, 2008. "A Vision for a Safe and Just Community". http://www.rjav.org/

7. Providence, RI: Department of Labor YouthBuild Conference & Site Visit Seminar. October 21- 22, 2008. Courses offered at the conference on October 21: Student Centered Relevant Curriculum Integrating Academics and Skills Training Achieving High Attendance and Retention. The Site Visit Seminar - Developing a Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will be held October 22. More information http://www.youthbuild.org/site/c.htIRI3PIKoG/b.1223921/k.BD3C/Home.htm 8. Wilmington, DE: The 2008 Nemours Conference on Child Health Promotion: Advocacy, Policy, and Progress in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity. October 23-24, 2008. Nemours Health & Prevention Services is bringing together regional and national leaders who are making policy work to create healthier environments and programs for children and families. More information at http://www.nemours.org/department/nhps/annual-conference.html.

9. Webcast: The Real Costs of Teen Motherhood. October 23, 2008, 10:00am ET. Please join us in examining the many costs and varied policy implications of teen motherhood. Register online http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=51826

10. Baltimore, MD: The Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Inc. Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony. October 23, 2008; 5:30pm, The Belvedere Hotel, 12th Floor Grand Ballroom, 1 East Biddle St., Baltimore, MD. For more information, call 410-321-8761.

NOTEWORTHY

11. Maryland task force recommends steps to increase number of teachers. A Maryland task force has outlined 26 actions for the state to take in the next few years to replace the numbers of teachers leaving and retiring from the state's classrooms, the Baltimore Sun reports. The recommendations, intended to produce more teachers from state colleges and provide incentives for teachers to stay on the job, include technical changes in certification standards, pay increases for teachers, and a resumption of tuition reimbursement for college students who study to be teachers and agree to work in the public schools. Some of the recommendations would need substantial state funding or a shift in policies by the Maryland State Department of Education, but the proposals are said to have been widely endorsed by education leaders. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.teachers03oct03,0,111768.story [PEN Weekly NewsBlast, October 10, 2008]

12. Call for Presenters - National Center for Victims of Crime. The National Center for Victims of Crime is pleased to announce its 2009 National Conference to be held June 22-24, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. They are currently seeking workshop proposals on a wide range of topics. Conference presenters can include victim advocates, counselors, program managers, attorneys, social workers, law enforcement personnel and other criminal justice providers, psychologists, researchers, journalists, volunteers, faith and community leaders-anyone who is actively involved in helping victims of crime rebuild their lives. http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/Main.aspx

REPORTS, RESEARCH & RECENT PUBLICATIONS

13. The Evaluation of School-Based Violence Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis. From abstract: Youth violence and related aggressive behaviors have become serious public health issues with physical, economic, social, and psychological impacts and consequences. This study identified and evaluated the characteristics of successful school-based violence prevention programs. Park-Higgerson et al., Journal of School Health, 2008 78(9), 465-479. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121371833/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

14. Publications from The Urban Institute. http://www.urban.org/ “Release Planning for Successful Reentry: A Guide for Corrections, Service Providers, and Community Groups" By Nancy G. La Vigne, Elizabeth Davies, Tobi Palmer, and Robin Halberstadt. This report describes the eight most basic and immediate needs of prisoners leaving prison, recommends policies to meet these needs, and highlights the opportunities and challenges practitioners face when trying to improve their release planning policies. It uses information from 43 departments of corrections to illustrate release planning procedures across the country. http://www.urban.org/publications/411767.html

"Charting a New Direction: Exploring the Future of Justice Mapping". By Nancy G. La Vigne, Brian Elderbroom, and Diana Brazzell. This paper highlights innovative applications of computerized mapping technology in justice policy and practice. Mapping has become a valuable tool for law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, state and local policymakers, service providers, and community organizations working to understand and address problems related to crime, incarceration, and prisoner reentry. http://www.urban.org/publications/411764.html

"Mapping Community Data on Children of Prisoners: Strategies and Insights". By Diana Brazzell and Nancy G. La Vigne. Children of incarcerated parents are often an invisible population, but analyzing and mapping local data on these families can help policymakers and advocates better understand these children’s experiences and needs. The brief discusses the value of analyzing and mapping these data, outlines potential data sources, and explores the mapping process. http://www.urban.org/publications/411766.html

RESOURCES

15. School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program. The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) has created and will make available to school-based professionals a School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program. The program provides an extensive Resource Guide and Recommended Readings to help prepare school-based professionals working with students at risk and/or charged with implementing a school suicide prevention program to achieve and demonstrate knowledge competencies in 16 content domains of relevance to better serving these aims. For more information, visit the AAS website at http://www.suicidology.org/ or contact Paul Rothenberg at 202-237-2280. [source: SPRC: The Weekly Spark, October 8, 2008]

16. Developing Safe Schools Partnerships--Spotlight on Mental and Juvenile Justice. This resource from the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention identifies who is involved in juvenile justice (JJ) and mental health (MH) collaboration in schools; what the JJ and MH problems are affecting youth; what the challenges to MH/JJ partnerships are; and steps JJ and MH can take to work together in the context of a safe schools collaboration. The insights and practices presented are based on learning from the Federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) experience and include strategies for: (1) providing leadership; (2) hiring/training/evaluating staff; and (3) carrying out JJ and MH partnership activities. http://www.promoteprevent.org/Publications/partnership_spotlights/index.htm [source: OSDFS Prevention News Bulletin, October 9, 2008]

POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS (PBIS)

17. PBIS Maryland Events http://www.pbismaryland.org/ State Leadership Meeting – October 22, 2008 Coaches' Meeting (New Coaches) – October 23, 2008 PBIS Implementers forum – October 30-31, 2008 Maryland and Virginia High School Forum – November 12, 2008 Baltimore County Team Leader/Coaches Mtg.- November 13, 2008 State Leadership Meeting – November 18, 2008 Back To Top

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

18. The Influence of Religiosity and Spirituality on Health Risk Behaviors in Children and Adolescents. Research studies that are qualitative, quantitative, and combined methods; that examine the mechanisms, mediators, and moderators by which religious and spiritual beliefs develop and are transmitted across generations; and whether and how these beliefs influence early sexual behaviors and alcohol or other drug use that may facilitate the transmission of HIV in children and adolescents. Deadline: September 7, 2009. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=LqBChPVtNzM1fvlhQbwLqcR8Z6MPlLKqHgspg7pYs 8KMYnnmQpcV!447665677?oppId=9408&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW

19. Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2009 for Cooperative Agreements for Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families (CMHI). The purpose of this program is to support States, political subdivisions within States, the District of Columbia, Territories, Native American Tribes and tribal organizations, in developing integrated home and community-based services and supports for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families by encouraging the development and expansion of effective and enduring systems of care. Deadline: January 15, 2009. http://www.samhsa.gov/Grants/2009/sm_09_002.aspx

JOB AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

20. Baltimore, MD: Research Assistant - Casey Strategic Consulting Group. The Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Research Assistant is a full-time, entry-level professional position for the Casey Strategic Consulting Group (CSCG). This group provides intensive, pro bono strategic consulting to state child welfare, juvenile justice, and other human service systems. http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/312693- 270

21. Baltimore, MD: Out-of-School-Time Opportunity Program Director – Safe and Sound Campaign. This individual will work with the Campaign and other City stakeholders to increase funding and advance policies to give all children and youth in Baltimore access to a wide range of out-of-school time opportunities. http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/312860-164

PREVIOUSLY POSTED EVENTS, CONFERENCES, & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Leadership Matters: A Virtual Seminar Series is a series of interactive, Internet-based educational programs offered by the AASA Center for System Leadership™. Each program is presented by leading experts in the field of public education. These fast-paced programs provide important information relevant to the work of superintendents and other school system leaders. Further details http://www.aasa.org/conferences/index.cfm

Dec. 9, 2008 - "A Holistic Approach to School Security" May 6, 2009 - "Leading School Systems into the 21st Century: The Role of Superintendents" June 2, 2009 - "Building a High-Impact Superintendent-Board Partnership" Baltimore, MD: Alliance for Children and Families 2008 Annual Conference. October 28-30, 2008. Conference theme: The Power of Purpose, The purpose of Our Power. http://www.alliance1.org/Conferences/National2008/

Baltimore, MD: Concerned Black Men National Mentoring Conference. October 30 – November 1, 2008. This event will focus on examining and developing "best practices" in mentoring programs. Come and learn from the experts about what you must do to create a model mentoring program, or take your program to the next level! Learn more and register online http://cbmnational.org/conference-register/annual-convention-2008

Baltimore, MD: Youth & College Leadership Summit “Transforming Youth to Ignite Change” October 31 – November 1, 2008. This student-organized event brings together college students, youth leaders, and student organizations from around the country for networking, interactive leadership workshops, and to formulate strategies to address issues facing youth. The YCLS is a perfect opportunity for young leaders to share resources and network with other like-minded individuals. Learn more and register online http://youngleadersnetwork.com/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=163

Hollywood, CA: "It's My Life" Conference on Youth in Foster Care. October 31- November 1, 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.casey.org/Resources/Projects/ItsMyLife/

Hollywood, CA: 2008 It's My Life Conference. October 31 – November 2, 2008. It’s My Life convenes over 700 participants—youth in foster care, alumni of care, caregivers, practitioners, and advocates—who share innovative practices designed to guide preparation for adulthood services for youth aging out of foster care. http://www.casey.org/Resources/Projects/ItsMyLife/

Indianapolis, IN: 5th Annual Conference of the International Bullying Prevention Association. November 6-7, 2008. The International Bullying Prevention Association is collaborating with the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy and the Indiana Department of Education to bring a national conference on bullying prevention and research to Indianapolis, Indiana. The conference registration fees have been greatly reduced to enable an affordable opportunity for all those attending. Registration and conference information are available at: http://www.doe.state.in.us/isssa/new_horizons.html and on the International Bullying Prevention Association website at http://www.stopbullyingworld.org/conference.html.

Baltimore, MD: Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City Community Justice Series: Community Justice – Juvenile Delinquency. Baltimore City is experiencing an increase in juvenile violence, negatively impacting our communities and schools. Citizens are more interested than ever in juvenile issues. From September to January, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City invites you to attend a 4 part series titled “Community Justice: Juvenile Delinquency.” This year’s focus will be on the Juvenile Justice System, Juvenile Delinquency Trends and Prevention/Intervention Resources. All four forums will be open to the public. All forums will be held from 6:00 - 8:00pm at UMB Biopark Auditorium at the University of Maryland Baltimore, 800 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland. November 12, 2008 - Juvenile Prevention and Intervention Resources January 7, 2009 - Community Engagement – Next Steps

Princeton, NJ: Vulnerable Populations in the Juvenile Justice System: A Research and Policy Conference. November 14, 2008. Conference presented by The Future of Children. This day-long symposium, co-sponsored by Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School and the Association for Children of New Jersey, is being held in conjunction with the October, 2008 release of a Future of Children volume on juvenile justice policy. To RSVP http://www.princeton.edu/prior/events/conferences/november-14- 2008/index.xml Baltimore, MD: 10th Annual Youth & College Leadership Summit, "Transforming Youth to Ignite Change", November 14 - 15, 2008. Presented by New Light Leadership Coalition (NLLC). http://www.nllc.org/home.html

San Francisco, CA: 2008 Public Education Network (PEN) Annual Conference. November 16-18, 2008. This conference will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the first local education funds. The conference will center around the legacy, focus and impact of local education funds over the last 25 years http://www.publiceducation.org/events.asp

Baltimore, MD: Advocates for Children and Youth's Sixth Annual Distinguished Speaker Luncheon. November 17, 2008, 11:30am-1:30pm. The Hilton Baltimore, 401 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Featuring: Ed Burns, Producer/Writer of the hit HBO series The Wire. $150 per ticket or $1,500 per table of 10. To reserve tickets please contact Carla Robinson, Special Events Coordinator 410.547.9200 x3019 [email protected]

Atlanta, GA: 20th Annual Conference of the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. November 20-23, 2008. http://www.ffcmh.org/conference2008/indexconference.html

Columbia, MD: Maryland’s 2nd Restorative Justice Conference “Opportunities for Impact”. November 20-21, 2008. Conference goals: To increase the understanding and awareness of the benefits of using restorative practices and principles; To promote increased use of existing restorative justice principles, practices, and programs in Maryland; To encourage the establishment of new restorative efforts throughout Maryland. For further information [email protected] or call Belinda Reed, MD Chapter, Association for Conflict Resolution 240-338-8159

Tampa, FL: Conference Track on Community-Based System of Care Development 22nd Annual Research Conference. March 1- 4, 2009. This conference track will highlight research findings related to the implementation of effective systems of care. Please consider contributing your knowledge and experience by organizing a symposium, presenting a paper or poster, or leading a topical discussion on the topic of system of care development. http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu/

Orlando, FL: National Conference on Juvenile Justice. March 11-14, 2009. More information and registration to follow at a later date. http://www.ncjfcj.org/content/view/1150/347/

Denver, CO: Society for Research in Child Development Biennial Meeting. April 2-4, 2009. In response to overwhelming requests from membership and meeting attendees, SRCD is moving to a new Biennial Meeting schedule. http://www.srcd.org/biennial.html

Baltimore, MD: NASRO 2009 National Conference. June 29 – July 3, 2009. N.A.S.R.O. - The National Association of School Resource Officers assisted by M.A.S.R.O. - The Maryland Association of School Resource Officers are hosting The NASRO 2009 National Conference in Baltimore June 29 to July 3, 2009. Special SRO training classes will be offered during Conference. Additional information/classes to be posted as they become available. Details and registration forms will be posted on the training section on the website. http://www.nasro.org/home.asp

To subscribe to Items of Interest or for additional resources please go to http://www.jhsph.edu/preventyouthviolence. If you would like to relay any information in response to this email, please send an email to [email protected] at the Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence. Items of Interest is funded through grant R49/CCR318627-04 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence, Philip J. Leaf, Director. The items listed in these pages are not intended to be an endorsement of any service, product, or company, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of the Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.