The CJJC was originally designed to be a community outreach program reporting on the progress of Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County in meeting its obligations under the 2012 Memorandum of Agreement between the United States Department of Justice, Shelby County Government, and Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County.  In October 2018, the Department of Justice announced its termination of the Memorandum of Agreement.
 
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners, Mayor Lee Harris, Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr., and Juvenile Court Judge Dan H. Michael  agreed that the work of the CJJC should move forward after the Agreement ended, and supported a re-organization and reconstitution of the CJJC.  The CJJC is comprised of up to seven community advocates or experts in areas relevant to juvenile justice issues, including individuals who have interacted with the Court and/or parents, guardians, or mentors of individuals who have interacted with the Court.  Community members are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.  The CJJC membership also includes the County’s Disproportionate Minority Contact Coordinator (or equivalent) and a representative of the Shelby County Government Division of Community Services – Office of Justice Initiatives, both of whom of are employees of Shelby County Government and serving in a non-voting capacity.
 
While the CJJC still conducts widely-publicized meetings every year in order to hear from our community, its focus now also includes the collection of information regarding the experiences of families who participate in the juvenile justice system, discussions with the Judge of Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County and the Shelby County Sheriff (or their designees) regarding their operations, policies, and perceived patterns and trends, as well as making recommendations to elected officials regarding program plans and priorities in juvenile justice institutions and facilities.  The CJJC provides community feedback to elected officials and works toward reducing youth contact with the criminal justice system.

Follow us on the CJJC Facebook page or email us at cjjc@shelbycountytn.gov. 

CJJC Members

Mahal Burr, 2021 Chair
Jennifer Turchi, Vice Chair
Rebecca Davis, Secretary
Zahra Chowdhury
Natalie McKinney
Cardell Orrin
 

Non-Voting Members
TBD, Office of Mayor Lee Harris
TBD, Division of Community Services, Office of Justice Initiatives
 

Shelby County Government Contacts
         Legal Advisor:  Jessica Indingaro (901) 222-2124

Apply to Be a Member:

         Contact Frankie Dakin at frankie.dakin@shelbycountytn.gov with any questions about the application process.
 

Meetings:

The Consortium holds bimonthly meetings that are open to the public.