1. Preferred Name, Title, and How Many Years You’ve Worked with CIYJ?
Dauna Herman, (Corrections Counselor II) I have worked with CIYJ, previously PbS, since around 2008 as I remember the Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility winning the Barbara Allen Hagan award that year. I transferred KJCC when LJCF closed and KJCC won that same award in 2017 and I got to attend the award ceremony in Minnesota.
2. What is the most challenging aspect of your role? What aspect is the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect of my role is changing the mindset of the youth I work with as they enter the correctional setting. Many of them come to us with so much trauma in their past that it’s very hard to turn their thinking from fight or flight or survival to goal setting and believing in themselves and that a different future is out there waiting for them. The most rewarding aspect is when we see the changes in their thinking and mindset and see them believing in a different future for themselves. Seeing that come to fruition after their release is the most rewarding.
3. Looking back over the past two decades, what do you consider to be CIYJ’s most impactful contributions to the youth justice space?
I believe the impact that CIYJ’s had over the years to see potential in youth and their ability to change their trajectory from a mistake they made and help them achieve their goals has really impacted them through the standards put in place and the Kids Got Talent and Employment Matching programs which really helps them see that with a little help they can reach their dreams and potential.
4. Can you share a particularly poignant success story, milestone, or impactful moment that CIYJ has achieved during your tenure with us?
I had a young person who was a runner up for the Kids Got Talent contest last year and I have faith that her story is only in its infancy. We will see her reach goals even she feels are unreachable yet she continues working towards them every day!
5. What message would you like to convey to our supporters, partners, and advocates as CIYJ celebrates this significant anniversary?
The young people of today have so many hurdles in front of them with the economy and lack of supportive people in their lives and CIYJ helps bridge the gaps in so many ways. Helping these young people with programs, jobs, funds and supportive connections that they can count on to help them during reentry and beyond in the community.
6. What inspired you to pursue a career dedicated to youth justice?
I chose to work with youth in justice because I believe that if we can get them turned around and surround them with the right people, programs and supports that we can keep many of the young people in this country from making it to the adult system. They will become functional members of our communities and also learn to trust and seek out positive supports in places they would have known to look before being involved with the justice system. I know we cannot save them all, but I know we can try to make a difference for them all and the ones that work hard and want to change will do great things and that is why I have dedicated my career to working with Youth in Justice.