The American Psychological Association’s Committee on Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) is currently seeking members to serve on a Working Group to review the relevant scientific literature regarding the short- and long-term consequences of solitary confinement of juveniles, as well as make recommendations based on available research.
We will form a CYF Working Group to (1) review the literature on relevant key topics associated with the consequences of solitary confinement on juvenile offenders, and (2) make a determination as to whether there is sufficient evidence and support for the APA to take a formal position in regards to this topic. The CYF Working Group will include individuals with expertise in relevant topics of juvenile justice, solitary confinement, punishment, adolescent development, emotional development, children’s mental health, childhood trauma, and prisons and other juvenile correctional institutions. The Working Group will work virtually (i.e., no face-to-face meetings). The CYF Working Group will provide regular reports on activities and progress to the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest. Recommendations and ultimate determinations initiated by the CYF Working Group will not constitute policy or an official formal position, rather they will be subject to formal review and approval in accordance with Association Rules.
The Working Group members must be prepared to work collaboratively under firm deadlines. Potential Working Group members must be flexible in their availability, so that virtual meetings may be scheduled in a timely manner.
Members of the Committee on Legal Issues (COLI), will work with CYF to select the Working Group members and to ensure that the Working Group appropriately addresses the relevant legal issues. The Working Group members will be appointed by the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest (BAPPI). CEMA and CSES will be consulted as appropriate.
Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged, in addition to nominations from other sources or individuals. In order for any potential candidate to be considered, regardless of the source of the nomination, complete nomination packets must include: (a) a letter of interest (no more than one page) stating the desire to be considered for this Working Group and willingness to meet the expectations laid out in this Call, a description of the candidate’s specific expertise and qualifications relative to the goals of this Working Group, and (b) a current curriculum vitae.
All nomination materials must be received by March 12th. Please send nominations to the Committee on Children, Youth and Families, at sparker@apa.org,no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 12, 2018. Candidates with relevant expertise not selected as Working Group members may be asked to serve as advisors and/or reviewers.