STATE COLLEGE, PA — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) marked the opening of its 2025 Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Conference in State College, drawing a record-breaking attendance of over 530 criminal justice and behavioral health professionals. The two-day event, themed “From Crisis to Collaboration: Building Resilient Justice Systems,” showcased innovative strategies to address challenges facing the Commonwealth’s justice and behavioral health systems.
PCCD Executive Director Kirsten Kenyon praised the conference as a reflection of the organization’s mission. “This gathering represents the collective strength of our justice system—bringing together dedicated professionals from law enforcement, the courts, behavioral health, and community organizations. It is through these vital partnerships that we build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.”
The conference featured breakout sessions emphasizing practical solutions, including behavioral health screening, law enforcement collaboration, and initiatives supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Judge Stephen B. Minor, founding Chairman of the Potter County CJAB, highlighted the value of this platform. “CJAB is the perfect forum to share ideas and allow everyone an opportunity to be heard. I have never left the Conference without the desire to try a new program or policy that another jurisdiction has successfully used.”
A key moment of the event was the presentation of three prestigious awards recognizing excellence in criminal justice leadership and innovation. Butler County was honored with the CJAB Best Practices Award for its collaborative efforts in improving treatment, recovery, and reentry initiatives. Judge Minor received the Honorable Linda K.M. Ludgate Excellence in CJAB Leadership Award for his visionary contributions to rural justice reform. The Honorable John A. Zottola Mental Health and Justice Award was presented to Julia Lekner-Leslie of Community Behavioral Health, Philadelphia, for her advocacy and work with justice-involved youth.
Each of Pennsylvania’s 67 county-level CJABs plays a critical role in strengthening local justice systems by developing innovative programs and fostering cross-sector collaboration. With the ongoing support of PCCD, these boards aim to address the evolving needs of their communities.
The 2025 CJAB Conference underscored the importance of partnerships in creating adaptive and inclusive justice systems. Moving forward, the state’s commitment to innovation and collaboration sets a strong foundation for building safer and more equitable communities across Pennsylvania.
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