James E. Anderson
Executive Director, Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission
VIDEO RIGHT: James E. Anderson talks about the role of judges in shaping policy and outcomes in Pennsylvania.
Jim Anderson is not a lawyer, and yet others depend on his knowledge of the law. He leads an organization of judges, though he has never served on the bench. And while he does not hold an elected office, his work has been central to some of the most important legislative actions affecting juveniles in Pennsylvania’s justice system. Jim Anderson is a problem solver who applies his considerable talents to bettering the lives of dependent and delinquent children and youth.
“As the executive director of the Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission (JCJC), Jim Anderson has been an invaluable leader of the Models for Change initiative in Pennsylvania,” says Robert Schwartz, director, Models for Change Pennsylvania. “With Jim’s leadership and commitment, JCJC’s contributions to the Models for Change effort have gone well beyond anyone’s expectations.”
JCJC has actively participated in all Models for Change activities and has lent public and staff support above and beyond what was expected of them.“ Jim and JCJC have made a vital impact in the policy and legislative arena,” adds Schwartz. “Because of him, we have access to legislators on both sides of the aisle. He solves problems in a remarkably effective way, with unerring instincts, and unmatched decency.”
The most recent victory occurred in October 2008 when Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell signed a bill promoting mental health services for delinquent youth by protecting them from self incrimination for comments made during screening, assessment, and evaluation. Anderson and JCJC shepherded the bill through a tortuous legislative path until it became law. Delinquent youth will now be able to take advantage of critical mental health services without undue fear of punishment.
Other successes include Jim’s work with the Pennsylvania Council of Chief Juvenile Probation Officers. JCJC and the Chief’s Council engaged all 67 Pennsylvania counties in the aftercare reform effort which will result in a closer alignment between juvenile probation and residential program providers leading to better planning and outcomes for youth returning home after placement. Jim has been an active and wise participant in every Models for Change leadership group, and he has repeatedly given Models for Change a prominent place at Pennsylvania’s annual juvenile justice conference.