Center for Youth Justice at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy

The Center for Youth Justice at Georgetown University supports and educates leaders across systems of care to advance a balanced, multi-system approach to improving outcomes for, and promoting the positive development of, youth at risk of youth legal system involvement. Shay Bilchik, one of the country’s most influential voices in the juvenile justice arena, founded the Center as the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform in 2007. Michael Umpierre, the current director, works closely with Georgetown’s other policy centers and departments in leading the Center’s efforts. In 2025, the Center was renamed the Center for Youth Justice. A research center within the McCourt School of Public Policy, the pillars of our approach are grounded in the pursuit of five core goals: --Advancing a strength-based, holistic, and developmental approach for youth, because after all, we must always remember that these are kids --Promoting authentic, meaningful, and impactful youth and family partnerships, always remembering the mantra of “nothing about us, without us” --Preventing legal system involvement for youth in the first place where possible and embracing community-driven models and approaches; --Strengthening cross-system collaboration and partnerships to minimize burdens on youth and families, maximize precious system resources, and achieve positive outcomes for all; and --Advancing racial justice and equity in the youth legal system; our work must not and cannot cease until all youth and families have equitable opportunities to thrive.