Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon delivered remarks at the recent meeting of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, expressing gratitude for the council's work over the past two years. "I also want to take this opportunity to thank the council for all the work you’ve been doing over the last two years," Solomon stated.
Solomon announced her decision to step down from her position as Assistant Attorney General, effective July 19. She acknowledged the progress made in supporting communities and improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals during her tenure. "We’ve been able to generate some incredible momentum together in our work to support communities and secure better outcomes for justice-involved individuals," she said.
She praised the council's efforts in adopting evidence-informed strategies, amplifying voices with lived experiences, and striving towards a fair juvenile justice system. Solomon highlighted various initiatives aimed at trauma-informed services across different sectors within the justice system.
"Our Office for Victims of Crime is taking a huge step toward helping communities build their capacity to support victims in the aftermath of trauma," Solomon noted, referencing a new Trauma Recovery Center Demonstration Project designed to provide comprehensive services for victims.
Solomon also mentioned significant investments through the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, which has allocated nearly $200 million towards community-driven strategies addressing trauma and violence. Additionally, she emphasized efforts to support professionals exposed to violence through upcoming funding opportunities worth up to $2.5 million.
Highlighting collaborations between behavioral health specialists and law enforcement, Solomon discussed programs like the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program that aim to de-escalate crises and direct individuals towards necessary treatment services.
In concluding her remarks, Solomon expressed confidence in Brent Cohen, who will assume her role as Acting Assistant Attorney General after her departure. She commended Liz Ryan’s leadership at OJP and conveyed optimism about future advancements in juvenile justice reform under Ryan’s guidance.
"It has been a privilege to be part of these deliberations," Solomon concluded before handing over proceedings back to Liz Ryan.