Youth Representation
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The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDP Act) set forth
the representation requirements for the state advisory group (SAG). Two
of those requirements are that at least one fifth of the members be under
the age of 24 at the time of appointment and at least 3 members who have
been or are currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system.
- Youth Members
Katie Yother, 24, Bozeman, MT
Katie is a senior in Political Science at Montana State University. She is an advocate for the foster care system and has recently finished a summer internship with FosterClub working to advocate for national policy change in the Child Welfare system.
Katie entered foster care for the second time in junior high as a diversion to juvenile placement. Shortly after entering care again, Katie, was awarded the Turn Around Student of the Year Award and embraced her positive environment and excelled to become Custer County District High School’s Student Body President her senior year.
Katie is a public speaker and trainer and loves to help positively impact youth in similar life situations. She serves as Youth Representative to the Youth Justice Advisory Council since 1999 acting to shape the future direction of youth services for Montana. Her personal goals are to provide positive insight for other young people facing adversity in their crusade for life success.
Featured below are our Youth Members:
Jennifer Kistler,
20, Helena, MT
My name is Jennifer Kistler and I am currently a student at the University
of Montana. My Major is Business Administration with a Minor in Information
Systems. I graduated from Capital High School in Helena, Montana.
My position on the Youth Justice Council is important to me, as I am an active voice for youth to the council. I want to be able, to my best of my ability, represent the voice of youth from the state of Montana regarding issues on Juvenile Justice. I also enjoy the informative discussions and conversations amongst my peers on the council.
In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding and hiking in the mountains. You can contact me regarding the Youth Justice Council at: JenniferKistler406@yahoo.com.
