KANNAPOLIS — The second of two scheduled juvenile court training opportunities for prosecutors and legal assistants occurred recently at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and the Cabarrus Youth Development Center. 

The training, entitled, “Juvenile Court: Back to the Basics,” educated prosecutors and legal assistants in various aspects of juvenile law. The North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys organized the training, which included sessions on juvenile procedure, handling felony caseloads in juvenile court, school resource officers in juvenile court, current science regarding problematic sexual behavior in juvenile court, juvenile investigations and a juvenile law update.

Ashlie Shanley, district attorney of Prosecutorial District 25 said, “This training was crucial, considering the recent enactment of Session Law 2024-17, which brought about significant modifications to juvenile delinquency law in North Carolina. Juvenile Law: Back to the Basics provided prosecutors and legal assistants with a comprehensive update on the legal changes, as well as an opportunity to delve into various other aspects of juvenile law. I extend my gratitude to all the attendees for their invaluable service to our state and local communities.”

The second day of the training occurred at the Cabarrus Youth Development Center in Concord. Facilities Director Peter Brown met with the participants and gave them information on all the services that are provided to juveniles upon commitment to the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety. Afterwards, Brown led a tour of the facility, showcasing the housing unit, medical unit, school and vocational programming available to the juveniles.

“The Conference of District Attorneys was delighted to offer a two-day intensive training in juvenile justice to prosecutors and legal assistants across the state,” Executive Director for the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys Kimberly Spahos said. “Our hope is that this training helped to deepen their knowledge of juvenile delinquency law, investigations, procedures, and programming.  Attendees were equipped with this information to assist in protecting our communities and reducing recidivism among juveniles involved in the juvenile justice system.”