As Allegheny County moves towards the re-opening of what was once the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center, now renamed the Highland Detention Center at Shuman, County Executive Sara Innamorato has put forward a slate of names for the Juvenile Detention Board of Advisors, as reported by the county's official press release. These appointments are a key step in fulfilling the County's promise to revamp juvenile detention oversight and follow a lawsuit settlement with the County Council.
Appointees to the board include a mix of legal, academic, and social service professionals. In a decision mandated by the settlement, the County Council recommended Dr. Terri Collin Dilmore, a clinical and forensic psychologist at Howard University, as one of the advisors. Alongside her, other appointed members acclaimed for their expertise include Judge Tiffany E. Sizemore from the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas and Dr. Kathi Elliott, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Gwen's Girls.
In further detail provided by Allegheny County's official announcement, the team is rounded out by Richard Garland, Executive Director of Reimagine Reentry, and Kristy Trautmann, Executive Director of the FISA Foundation. Both individuals are highly regarded for their work in advocating for systems that support young people.
Previously, President Judge Susan J. Evashavik had selected additional members for the board, including Judge Jennifer S. McCrady of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and Dr. Edward Mulvey, a respected figure in psychiatry from the University of Pittsburgh. Completing Judge Evashavik's selection is Cheyenne Tyler, known for advancing opportunities for young people as the Executive Director of Café Momentum.
