Jeff has spent a large part of his life studying the effects of the criminal justice system policies and procedures on at-risk youth. First, as one of them, he found himself on probation at age 12, in residential treatment by 14, then waived to adult court and in prison by age 17, where he would spend the next 6 years of his life, and 4 of those would be in Solitary Confinement.
Once released, Jeff would earn a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from St Ambrose University, as well as work in the criminal justice/child welfare field for a considerable part of his life.
He has worked in various leadership roles in residential treatment facilities and juvenile detention centers. He also worked as a social worker for the Iowa Department of Human Services, as well as a Crisis Interventionist for over eight years.
Jeff worked as a Health Facilities Surveyor for the State of Iowa’s Department of Inspection and Appeals, where he investigated complaints, regulated, monitored, and evaluated adolescent Psychiatric Units, Residential Facilities, Juvenile Detention Centers, Youth Emergency Shelters, Foster Care/Adoption Services, and conducted Child Abuse Assessments at the Iowa State Training School for Boys located in Eldora, Iowa.
Appointed by the Governor, he served a 2-year term (2018-2020) on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council (JJAC), where he contributed to overseeing Iowa's use of the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act - 2018 formula grant funds and assisted in developing plans for system-wide improvements.
Jeff is driven to change the way youthful offenders are sentenced, so more youngsters can find their true path. He draws on his own experience in working toward policies and procedures to achieve these goals, as he outlined in his 2015 TEDx Naperville Talk.
He also provided a TEDx Davenport talk in 2019, where he outlined the effects trauma and how understanding trauma can change the trajectory of a youth’s life.
Jeff has created the company Jeff Wallace Speaks LLC. Where he offers consultancy services, life coaching, and keynotes on an array of subjects.
Most recently, Jeff worked as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Human Services and Coordinator of Diversity at Iowa Wesleyan University and continued to use his life experience and unique insight in guiding and educating the next generation.
www.jeffwallacespeaks.com
Email: jeffwallacespeaks@gmail.com
Text/Call: 563-508-4973
