Ingham County’s 30th Circuit Court has selected Annette Ellison as director of its Youth Center. Ellison, with 24 years’ experience in juvenile justice, succeeds Richard Gentry, who is retiring after 16 years running the short-term secure juvenile detention facility. Under Gentry’s leadership the Youth Center has become recognized nationwide for its programming.
Ellison, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s Degree in social Work from the University of Michigan, comes to her new position after almost 13 years at the Circuit Court in the position of clinical social worker. Before joining the 30th Circuit, she gained experience as a clinician at Maxey Boys Training School, a therapist at an out-patient sex offender treatment clinic, and a private practitioner counselor.
“I look forward to continuing Richard Gentry’s commitment to a clinical-based approach to youth detention,” she said. “Complex trauma affects many youth detained in our facility, and it is by being aware of, and responsive to, these conditions that we can ensure a safer and more secure facility.
“I believe my calling is to instill hope and help youth break free from the binds of trauma, unhealthy core beliefs, and relationships, all of which so often act as barriers to them reaching their greatest potential. The Youth Center, through its staff supporting residents through the Stages of Change, is vital to a detained youth’s journey toward rehabilitation. I envision a facility where respect, dignity, safety, and accountability are within the very fabric of the culture and programming; it should be a place where both youth and staff thrive.”
Ellison is well versed in evidence-based treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, psycho-education, social skills training, relapse prevention, and mindfulness. One of her specific focuses has been on treatment of adolescent sexual offenders and provision of trauma-informed care to youth who have been victims of sexual trauma, exploitation, or commercial sex trafficking.
In her current role with the court Ellison has worked closely with the Youth Center and the population it serves. She has provided crisis management and mental health support to youth detained at the facility.
According to Judge Richard Garcia, Chief Judge of both the 30th Circuit Court and the Ingham County Probate Court, Ellison and her treatment focus are exactly what the Youth Center needs to continue its good work for the community.
“First and foremost, detained youth, Youth Center staff, and the community deserve a safe and secure facility,” he said. “It is through programming with a clinical approach, which Annette Ellison will build on as our new Youth Center Director, that we continue to reach that goal.”
Juvenile detention facilities are designed for short-term placement in the juvenile delinquency system; the average stay is less than 12 days. The 30th Circuit Court’s Youth Center, at 700 E. Jolly Road in Lansing, is a 24-bed facility staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is solely supported by the county’s Juvenile Justice Millage, which will be up for renewal after this year.
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