Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
Making Connections. Informing Solutions.
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About Us
The Tow Youth Justice Institute (TYJI) is a university, state, and private partnership between the Tow Foundation, the Henry C. Lee College at the University of New Haven and the State of Connecticut dedicated to transforming the systems that impact youth, young adults up to age 26, and their families. We additionally embrace cross-system collaborations with policymakers, practitioners, service providers, students, researchers, and community members to advance justice that includes public safety, behavioral health, health, housing, and education.
Our Mission
Rooted in equity and respect, our mission is focused on raising the voices of youth up to age 26, families, and those with lived experience, including those who have experienced victimization, and to promote policies, practices, and programs that reduce harm, build power, and create opportunities for all. Through research, coaching, education, and cross-system collaboration, we strengthen communities and support solutions that are community-informed, evidence-driven, and we focus on wellbeing, dignity, and long-term change.
Our Goals
We Inspire Policy
We develop and facilitate the implementation of effective, impactful youth justice policies to reform the juvenile justice system. This is no small feat, requiring thousands of hours of patient collaboration and stewardship with hundreds of key stakeholders, demonstrating our capacity to build true systems of change.
We Train for the Future
We utilize our vast network of experts and partners to help train youth-oriented working professionals in best practices, offer technical assistance, and educate Connecticut’s youth about social justice issues that impact them and their families.
We Engage, Inform, and Build Community
We create space where the youth justice community, youth,and their families can be informed, remain engaged and connected, and work together toward the best possible outcomes for youth.
Our Values
Cross- System Collaboration and Transparency
Authentic Engagement and Voice
Equity and Social Justice
Critical Discourse and Accountability
Strength-Based Support for Growth and Connection
Evidence + Community Wisdom
Sustained Commitment
What Makes TYJI Different
We connect the dots between research, policy, and community wisdom. By aligning data with lived experience and legislative insight, we co-create solutions that directly address the real issues impacting system-affected youth and families.
2024 TYJI Receives funds to develop Performance Based Accountability Program
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2024 TYJI develops and launches A Restorative Place
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2023 TYJI launches Pathways to Success Conference
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2023 Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee Created
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2021 TYJI creates Fact vs. Fiction series
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2020 TYJI Social Justice Program in New Haven high schools
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2020 TYJI receives OJJDP Cooperative Agreement
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2019 TYJI receives OJJDP Cooperative Agreement
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2017 TYJI develops new approaches to youth justice and best practices training for youth-oriented professionals
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2017 TYJI creates Advisory Council
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2016 Connecticut reforms JJ by
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2014 Tow Youth Justice Institute Established
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
2014 Connecticut creates JJPOC
Created a robust PBA framework for YSP grantees.This included developing a menu of performance measures, creating user-friendly reporting templates, and establishing effective data collection methods. Rolled out to build a multi-phase training program to build a collective understanding of PBA and address common fears around data.
TYJI Turned 10 in 2024!
Watch Our Story: A Decade Shaping the Future of Youth Justice
TYJI Staff
Izarelli Mendieta-Martinez
Communications Coordinator
Erika Nowakowski
Executive Director
Shelby Henderson-Griffiths
Project Manager of Community Partnerships and Mobilization
Andrew Zhebrak
Project Coordinator, Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee
Emily Bombach
Senior Project Coordinator, Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee
Dr. Danielle Cooper
Director of Research
Jacqueline Marks
Project Coordinator, Data-Drive Violence Prevention Initiative
Jamie Perkins
Office Manager
Michaelangelo Palmieri
Senior Project Manager, Training and Technical Assistance
Stacey Olea
Project Coordinator for the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee
Namandje Wali
Senior Project Manager, Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee
William H. Carbone
Senior Executive Director
