The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), the nation's oldest judicial membership organization, kicked off its 80th Year Anniversary celebration in October 2016.

More than 100 local judicial and business leaders attended the event including representatives from United States Senator Dean Heller and United States Senator Harry Reid who delivered certificates of commendation to celebrate the NCJFCJ's 80 years of service for children and families.

Headquartered in Reno, Nev., and an affiliate of the University of Nevada, Reno, the NCJFCJ's mission is to provide all judges, courts and related agencies involved with juvenile, family and domestic violence cases with the knowledge, research and skills to improve the lives of the families and children who seek justice.

"We bring judges and other juvenile and family court stakeholders to Reno, not only engaging our University family but positively impacting the Nevada economy," Joey Orduna Hastings, CEO, NCJFCJ, said. "We also serve nearly 30,000 juvenile and family court professionals across the country, and have a membership of 1,600 and growing."

The NCJFCJ was founded in 1937 and was originally headquartered in Chicago. In 1969, the NCJFCJ received a grant from the Max C. Fleischmann Foundation, and the NCJFCJ moved its headquarters from Chicago to the University campus. Just this last year, the organization moved into its new downtown office across from Greater Nevada Field, the eighth University of Nevada, Reno location.

The NCJFCJ is a nonprofit organization and relies on funding from grants, members, donors and private corporations to continue their work. It has received an estimated 23 awards totaling more than $10.5 million in funding for 2016-2017.

"We need strong courts and educated judges to have healthy, strong communities,"Judge Deborah Schumacher (Ret.), said. "In this country, many of the things that are most poignant and private find their way into courtrooms. If you or someone in your family has a dispute over child custody; if you are a single mom having trouble collecting child support; if you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, you are affected by the NCJFCJ's work. These are things that are integral to the safety and well being of our communities, and find their way into our courts. You must have a knowledgeable and educated judiciary to handle these challenging situations."

The NCJFCJ works to address issues affecting juvenile and family law such as child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, youth substance abuse prevention, child custody and visitation rights, adoption and foster care, and domestic child sex trafficking.

"As a coach, I've seen it all and been in every home," Brian Polian, head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack football team, said. "Anybody in the life of a young person who cares for them makes a huge difference. As adoptive parents, Laura and I have been through the system. What the NCJFCJ does, what foster parents do, what family court judges do - the humility and selflessness that organizations like the NCJFCJ show as it relates to young people and families, is incredible. We are so honored to be here."

Several individuals spoke about the impact of the NCJFCJ's work.

"The youth that CASA serves are generally more successful in school, more likely to receive services and less likely to enter the justice system," Susan Nissenbaum, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer, said. "It's a collaborative effort between the courts, judges, attorneys, educators, medical professionals, social workers and community partners to positively affect the lives and futures of our foster youth in need."

"I became a victim of abuse and neglect," Grace R., a former CASA child, said. "Because of CASA, I now have a voice. I will always be grateful for the judges that helped me keep me and my future on the right path."

The NCJFCJ generates an estimated $16 million a year for the state of Nevada.

The NCJFCJ has 84 employees between its Reno headquarters and its research division, the National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ) in Pittsburgh, Pa. The NCJFCJ currently has 20 employees who have graduated from the University.

"You hear children say, judge, I remember seeing you in court," Judge Egan Walker, Washoe County Second Judicial District Court and NCJFCJ board director, said. "I remember the positive affects that happened in my life. And if just one at a time, we change those thousands of lives that exist in the justice system, we've succeeded."

NCJFCJ membership is open to any professional with a connection to the judicial court system including court professionals, attorneys, social workers, educators and students. For more information on how you can donate or get involved, visit ncjfcj.org.