A glimpse into the life of Mr. Jeff Wallace

Jeff Wallace 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, he 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 was employed as a social worker for Iowa's 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 Detentions 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. He was also once a resident of many of these same facilities. 

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 Federal funds provided through the  Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Intervention Act, which assists in developing plans for improvements for Iowa's Juvenile System.

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 worked as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Human Services, sharing valuable knowledge educating the next generation.       

Jeff continues to work in leadership roles, tirelessly striving to bring about positive transformations for youth affected by the system. 

His commitment to fostering transformative change led him to establish his company Jeff Wallace Speaks LLC, offering consultancy services, coaching, and thought-provoking keynotes. 

With unwavering dedication, he continuously draws on his lived experiences to create a positive impact on the lives of others.