Jaya Davis, PhD

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About Dr. Jaya Davis

Dr. Jaya Davis, PhD, is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at Arlington. She earned her PhD in Juvenile Justice from Prairie View A&M University and focuses her work on understanding juvenile delinquency and strengthening juvenile justice systems.

Her experience spans research, student and practitioner education, and applied systems work. Dr. Davis served as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Site Coordinator for the Annie E. Casey Foundation in partnership with the Dallas County Juvenile Department from 2015 to 2019.

Why Organizations Choose Dr. Davis

Dr. Davis brings deep juvenile justice expertise and practical system-level experience that supports defensible, developmentally appropriate youth responses. Some of the benefits of working with Dr. Davis are:

  • Juvenile Justice Expertise

  • Applied Systems Experience

  • Research Informed Guidance

  • Practitioner Focused Training

  • Cross Agency Collaboration

  • Implementation Support

Schedule a consultation to discuss your youth justice goals and training needs, then receive a clear plan for next steps.

Any Questions? Let’s talk

(817) 502-9197

Our Professionals

Meet the YES Team

Collectively, the YES team brings more than 100 years of combined experience

across policing, juvenile justice, victim services, and national policy leadership.

Theron L. Bowman, PhD

Founder/CEO/Instructor

Jaya Davis, PhD

Contributor/Instructor

James Hawthorne, MS

Contributor/Instructor

Cynthia Erich, MS

Contributor/Instructor

testimonials

What Leaders Say About YES

Our work is focused on one goal: improving outcomes for youth,

their families, and the professionals who serve them.

YES is built for moments that escalate quickly—and are often reviewed later.

Leaders who have implemented the training report that it helps professionals better understand youth behavior and approach encounters differently.

Free Consultation Available

Ready To Strengthen

Youth Encounter Outcomes?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your current challenges, training goals, and delivery options. We'll recommend a practical approach tailored to your organization that improves safety, consistency, and youth engagement outcomes.

Youth Engagement Strategies gives agencies a practical framework for safer youth encounters and more defensible decisions.

  • Phone: (817) 502-9197

Business hours

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tuesday: 8am - 5pm

wednesday: 8am - 5pm

thursday: 8am - 5pm

friday: 8am - 5pm

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