Understanding the Juvenile Justice system (Spanish)

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW

Date: December 1, 2025

Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: Lincoln Families

Training provided by Lincoln Families offers free training to agencies and participants who provide positive outcomes for youth and caregivers in the following counties: Alameda, Solano, Mendocino, Lake, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Tuolumne and Calaveras

A minimum of 12 participants must be registered one week prior to the training session for it to occur. Please share this information with those who meet the agency's requirements for participation.

Description

This training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, provides professionals working with system-involved youth and families with an understanding of the juvenile justice system and how to support youth and families who are involved in the system. Participants will gain knowledge of the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the juvenile justice system, and learn best practices for working with system-involved youth and families. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Learning Objectives

• By the end of the training, participants will be able to list and explain three key components of the juvenile justice system.
• Participants will demonstrate their understanding of best practices for working with system-involved youth and families by developing a comprehensive support plan for a hypothetical case scenario.
• Participants will identify and describe three strategies for promoting cultural competence in the juvenile justice system, as evidenced by their written reflection on their own biases and cultural awareness.

Transfer of Learning Goals

• Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the juvenile justice system.
• Participants will develop practical skills and strategies to effectively support and engage with system-involved youth and families.

Founder & Lead Trainer Bio

Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW (#128392), is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Marya Wright Consulting LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in child welfare policy and research, and a bachelor’s in social work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She has served as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the National Phi Alpha Honor Society and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, since January 2020, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advance practice children youth and families.

Spanish-Language Training Specialist Bio

Tania Rodriguez is a bilingual social work professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton. She has extensive experience providing mental health services, child development education, and case management support for youth and families.

Tania has worked as a mental health associate intern at California Youth Services, delivering therapy and support to at-risk youth. She has also served as a teacher at Catalyst Kids, where she implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum and fostered strong relationships with children, families, and communities. Additionally, she has provided case management and life skills training for foster youth through the Transitional Independent Living Program at Leading Purpose.

As the Spanish-Language Training Specialist for Wright Community Services LLC, Tania brings her expertise in youth development, mental health, and culturally responsive engagement to provide high-quality training in Spanish. Her dedication to education, advocacy, and empowerment ensures that Spanish-speaking professionals receive accessible, impactful, and relevant training sessions.