Washington County has welcomed a new head for its Juvenile Department, as Dr. Jennifer Cearley steps up to take on the director role, taking the reins to steer the future of juvenile services in the region after a period as interim director. Cearley brings a wealth of experience to the position, having joined the county team in 2017 as a researcher before getting promoted to assistant director in 2020, with a focus on innovative and evidence-based initiatives aimed at combating juvenile crime and recidivism.
County Administrator Tanya Ange underscored Cearley's deep involvement with justice-involved youth and their families as a driving factor for her appointment, believing in her ability to manage programs that are both innovative and grounded in solid evidence—a combination that is critical for leading the department forward which is why she was appointed according to a statement obtained by Washington County's official news.
Prior to her tenure in Washington County, Dr. Cearley served in Lane County, working directly with youth in various capacities, including secure and residential settings, and as a senior management analyst. Her academic journey took her through a Master's degree in counseling and on to a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Human Services from the University of Oregon; this path furnished her with an extensive understanding of juvenile justice best practices and the importance of data-driven decision-making.
Accepting the role, Dr. Cearley expressed her gratitude and highlighted the honor of continuing to serve Washington County's youth and families, victims of crime, and praised her colleagues for their commitment to tailor interventions that recognize each young person's unique needs, this sentiment was recorded in her statement to Washington County's official news.
