PSPI Live: Developmental Science Research Informs Juvenile Justice
The field of juvenile justice in the United States has gone through significant changes over the past 20 years thanks to its collaboration with developmental science. PSPI Live brings together the authors of a forthcoming publication in Psychological Science in the Public Interest, “Adolescent Contact, Lasting Impact? Lessons Learned from Two Longitudinal Studies Spanning 20 Years of Developmental Science Research with Justice-System Involved Youths”. Elizabeth Cauffman will discuss the findings from two large-scale multisite longitudinal studies with members of the Orange County Superior Court and Orange County Public Defender Office. Maria Hernandez, Tamika Williams, and Frank Davis will share their insights about the findings and the group will discuss the emerging need for new research, programs and policy initiatives.
Speakers
Elizabeth Cauffman
University of California, IrvineElizabeth Cauffman is a Professor of Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. She also holds courtesy appointments in the School of Education and the School of Law. Her research focuses on adolescent development and juvenile justice and has been used to inform both legal practice and policy including US Supreme Court cases.
Frank Davis
Maria Hernandez
Orange County Superior CourtJudge Maria Hernandez was elected Orange County Superior Court Presiding Judge in 2023, managing California’s third largest court and fifth largest nationwide. She served as Assistant Presiding Judge since 2021 and as COVID-19 liaison. Judge Hernandez currently Chairs various state initiatives and committees, receiving awards for her dedication and leadership, notably in juvenile justice and combating human trafficking.
Tamika Williams
Orange County District Attorney's OfficeTamika Williams is an Assistant District Attorney with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA). She supervises the Mental Health/Recidivism Reduction Unit and served in the Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership and Human Trafficking Units. She is also a founding member of the OCDA Association for Inclusion, Equity and Diversity (AIDE).
