The N.C. Juvenile Services Association yesterday presented its annual Outstanding Service Award to Deputy Commissioner of Juvenile Justice William Lassiter.
The award presentation occurred during the National Symposium on Juvenile Services, being held through Thursday this week in Greensboro.
The NCJSA's Outstanding Service Award is presented to an individual known to possess exemplary character and demonstrated personal integrity, who has made unique contributions to the lives of young people, either through direct or indirect services, community involvement, volunteerism or extending himself beyond normal job duties and requirements.
Lassiter's award nomination cited his emergence as a leader and an extraordinarily effective advocate for juvenile justice.
"From the very beginning of his career, (William) Billy Lassiter stood apart from others, as he was dedicated, hard-working, and willing to give his all for the work he carried out for the youth of North Carolina.
"(His) presentations on the prevention of delinquency, school violence and bullying consistently earn rave reviews and leave those who hear him determined to make a difference in the life of challenged youth and families...Billy Lassiter has - and will continue to – shape juvenile justice policies that will earn North Carolina’s work in Juvenile Justice continuing recognition on the national stage."
“(He) is a transformational leader; a person who helps change people around him,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry in remarks delivered during the awards ceremony. “He is a person of compassion, passion and acumen, and puts all this to work for the causes of juveniles in North Carolina.”
As Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile Justice, Lassiter plans and directs operations of the juvenile justice section and serves as a member of the Department’s senior leadership team. He earned his master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina State University, and began working as a researcher for the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the Center for the Prevention of School Violence in January 1998. In 2005 Lassiter became the Center's leader.
In 2010, Lassiter was called upon to serve as the State Contractors Administrator for Juvenile Community Programs, and was promoted to be Director of Juvenile Community Programs in 2013 where he worked to develop a comprehensive service delivery model for youth in the state’s juvenile justice system.
The purpose of NCJSA is to develop interest and extend services for youth in North Carolina, as well as promote quality standards and practices in all services offering care, treatment, prevention, education and protection for youth.
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Contact: Diana Kees
Phone: 919-480-9868