Read Our Employee Interview
Juvenile Justice Spotlight
Anthony Moorman
Deputy Director of Residential Life
Agency: Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF)
Office Location: Detroit, MI
1. Why Juvenile Justice?
“It never was something I saw but once I graduated college and started working for the Boys & Girls Club, I started understanding, ‘Why’. I saw kids who needed more support and I really enjoyed working with them. I wasn’t sure what angle it was going to lead to but it opened up doors to work in JJ and that’s what I enjoy doing to this day.”
2. What about your job excites and invigorates you?
“All aspects of it! On a daily basis, to build capacity with the youth I serve and the staff I work with really excites me. It takes a total excitement for everything you do to really invigorate me, and this job does just that.”
3. With your work with Wayne County JDF, what exciting changes do you see happening?
“We’re looking to become the flagship for Best Practices in the JJ field and restorative justice. We want to become the best and be utilized as a resource for other organizations around the country. We have a new facility being built, so we’re looking at a blank canvas and to create the visions we’re working on.”
4. Who were your mentor(s) in the field? What is something that they taught you?
“Multiple mentors but the four that come to mind is: Keisha Isaacs – who’s helped me with my supervisory role. She’s a true transformational leader. Carol Cramer Brooks – she’s always believed in me and is always courteous in listening to what I had to stay; Diane McGee - Deputy Superintendent of Cook County and Leonard Dixon – Superintendent of Cook County are the others.
Oh, and I can’t forget Philippe Magloire - former Deputy Executive Director of Cook County.”
5. So, I've decided I'd like to make it my life's work to impact today's youth. What advice would you give somebody just starting out?
“Understand that the business is 90-95% about relationships. Be firm, fair, and consistent in how you go about your business. You’ll be challenged to do what’s right, and always work with integrity. Start to understand what emotional intelligence (IQ) is about. I give credit to Kellie and Aisland Rhodes. I learned a lot from them in their training including the role that dopamine plays in these situations. It has helped me tremendously.”
6. I'm sure you've had many memorable experiences, but is there one that stands out as most memorable?
“I don’t really have one but when you have a team and youth willing to work together, it is fantastic. However, when with Renaissance Center in Cook County, I always worked to be a great leader and to share my experiences and knowledge with my team in order to make a difference.”
7. What words of wisdom do you find yourself consistently giving to those you work with in the JJ system?
“Find a passion within the field and master it. You have to be a servant leader.”
8. As a Deputy Director, how can the current state of Juvenile Justice improve?
“We have the right people in position but we have to better understand our areas of expert practice, like trauma informed care. We have to put together the best environment for these kids and powerful programs to make improvements. This includes involving the kids and their families. It involves taking more of a holistic approach.”
9. What major contribution do you feel you have made in Juvenile Justice?
“Showing up. I just show up every day for the youth, for the staff, and I’m present. It’s what I want to do and need to continue showing up to create consistent and lasting changes.”
10. When you're away from work, what do you enjoy doing?
“I enjoy watching Netflix, Prime, Hulu, I’m a 'sneaker-head' and enjoy collecting them. And of course, I love spending time with my son who is currently a senior in high school.”