October is National Youth Justice Awareness month! The purpose of National Youth Justice Awareness Month (YJAM) is to raise awareness about youth in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.  YJAM was launched by Tracy McClard, a mother in Jackson, Missouri, whose teenage son Jonathan took his life in an adult prison.  Tracy organized a 5k run in her community of Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 2008, and since then, YJAM has expanded to states all over the country!  This year, events are scheduled throughout the country such as 5k run/walks, film screenings, art exhibits and poetry readings! For a list of events and ways to get involved, visit: http://www.campaignforyouthjustice.org/national-youth-justice-awareness-month.html.