ABOUT CPLI
Founding, Mission, & Vision
CPLI was established in 2012 to reform laws, policies and practices that contribute to the criminalization of children in Indiana. It is one of 60 organizations in 43 states that belong to the National Youth Justice Network (NYJN). The NYJN leads a movement of state-based advocacy groups working toward a fairer youth justice system.
​Mission Statement: CPLI advocates for systemic changes for children so that policies, practices, and programs are developmentally-appropriate, equitably-administered and fair, and provide the necessary support for a child’s successful transition to adulthood.
Affiliate of the National Youth Justice Network
National Youth Justice Network unites advocates and organizations at the state and national level to create a transformational shift away from policing and prisons toward a world that prioritizes community-based, trauma-informed and healing-centered responses to youth needs.
Executive Director
Board Executive
Committee
Board
Members
Meisha Wide​
Program Staff
Damica Marshall
Outreach and Strategic Partnerships Associate
Program Staff
Christy Gauss
(Chair)
School Community Partnerships (SCP) Consultants
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Gwendolyn Kelley, Ph.D.
(Vice-Chair)
Senior Executive Consultant
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Lori Chambers
(Secretary)
United Women in Faith
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Michelle Boyden
(Treasurer)
Delta Wealth Advisors
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Ashley Hogue
(Member at-large)
Purpose for Life Ministries; Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis
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Calvin Roberson, Jr.
(Member at-large)
IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Interns
Teresa Baker
Former Educator, TAB (Tenacity-Ability-Brilliance) Consultants​
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Jarell Blakeley
Indiana State Teachers Association
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Amy Karozos
Indiana State Public Defender
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Jan Nichols
Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Indianapolis
Founder and Former President
JauNae Hanger, JD
The work of Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana (CPLI) would not be possible without the hard work of our interns, who are instrumental to the success of our organization. CPLI has had the pleasure of working with undergraduate and graduate students at the following universities: Butler University, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University Indianapolis, University of Indianapolis, Purdue University Indianapolis, Ball State University, and Marian University.
If you are interested in a CPLI internship, please complete this Internship Application and a member of our team will contact you.
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