PHILADELPHIA – Today DHS Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa announced the appointment of Nelson Walker as Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile Justice Services. He will oversee the department’s community and court services, as well as the county juvenile detention center. In this role, Mr. Walker will also lead the department’s efforts for juvenile justice reform, centering on the goal of continuing to increase community-based supports for youth in the juvenile justice system and their families.

When announcing his appointment, Commissioner Figueroa said, “I am confident that Mr. Walker’s leadership and commitment to helping families navigate the system, building better supports for youth, and empathy for victims will be a tremendous asset to the department—and more importantly to the youth and families served in the juvenile justice system.”

Mr. Walker began his career with the Philadelphia Youth Study Center in 1994 as a Youth Detention Counselor. He has been promoted to a variety of leadership roles within the agency, most recently as Acting Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile Justice Services and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center.

Throughout his career, Mr. Walker has been a staunch supporter and advocate for the youth of Philadelphia. “We are working with a vulnerable population, and we must work to build greater community supports to help youth live safely in the community without relying on residential programs. Using this approach, I believe we can lower the rate of violence,” said Deputy Commissioner Walker.

As Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile Justice Services, Mr. Walker plans to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, saying “A holistic approach that includes community and system partners is critical to helping youth succeed.”