Last month on November 19-21, 2024, our team attended the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) National Conference on Youth Justice in Washington, DC, celebrating the 50th Anniversary for the OJJDP and looking forward to the next 50 years. 2,500 youth justice practitioners gathered to learn, build connections, and to be around other compassionate leaders.
Additionally, OYCR has fully transitioned to become the Federal Title II Designated State Agency. We are to ensure that the youth justice system in California complies with the OJJDP Core Requirements: the deinstitutionalization of status offenders; removal of juveniles from adult jails and detention facilities; separation of juveniles from adults in secure facilities; and the reduction of disproportionate minority contact within the juvenile justice system. We have hired new staff as compliance monitors, we are working closely with the the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for training and setting up protocols and policies to fulfill the mandate of this new role.
We are also now staffing the State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (SACJJDP). We are scheduled to hold our first meeting under the OYCR umbrella on Tomorrow, December 12, 2024. You can view the agenda and join the meeting at this link. We look forward to working with the Advisory Committee to map out what the next 50 years will look like for youth justice in California.
Judge Katherine Lucero (ret.) Director
Office of Youth and Community Restoration California Health & Human Services Agency
2023 Annual Report Is Here!
OYCR is proud to share our 2023 Annual Report with you, showcasing last year’s efforts to transform California’s youth justice system. We’ve developed this report as part of our commitment to transparency in our work. We hold a sincere belief that open communication and sharing expertise are essential elements for building a sustainable way forward for our justice-involved youth.
Born out of SB 823, OYCR has aimed to ensure that youth are given the care and support they need. This shift in state policy underscores our collective belief that every youth who encounters the justice system has the potential to realize their dreams and make positive contributions to their communities. This report—on our second full year of operation—provides insights into our work and the progress we've made to contribute to safer communities and a more equitable juvenile justice system in California. It also looks forward to the goals we've set for the year ahead. Read the full report.
OYCR honored with "Beacon of Light" award
During their November 14th webinar, FASDNow! presented OYCR with the first annual Beacon of Light Award. In presenting the award, FASDNow said they “are grateful for your work related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the Office of Youth and Community Restoration.”
As Sid Gardner stated in giving this award, “FASDNow! can spotlight a California agency that stands out in improving its knowledge and understanding of FASD to make system changes. They are proud to work with Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones at the University of California, San Diego, to develop a way to screen youth in the juvenile justice system for possible FASD. OYCR’s leadership, staff, and consultants have come to recognize the importance of FASD in the juvenile justice population they serve. We hope all state, county, public, and private agencies will do the same.”
FASDNow!'s annual "Beacon of Light" award honors an individual, group, organization, or public agency that significantly addresses Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in California. This award celebrates achievements, innovative efforts, and collaborative initiatives that serve as a model for advancing knowledge and understanding, improving practices and service delivery, and fostering advocacy. The goal is to prevent FASD and better serve and support people with FASD and their families.
Strengthen Community Connections: Successful Credible Messenger Mentoring and CalAIM training in Riverside County
In October, Community-Based Organizations across Riverside County came together to participate in a 3-day seminar with our partners from the Credible Messenger Mentor Movement (CM3) and the Public Works Alliance (PWA). Clinton Lacey, Musa Mahdi, and Antonio “King Tone” Fernandez of CM3 offered their thought leadership in developing effective credible messenger programs through authentic transformative mentoring. Alex Briscoe and Macheo Payne with PWA provided key insights into new exciting opportunities for CBOs to access Medi-Cal funding through the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Initiative.
This collaborative effort not only strengthens the network of organizations dedicated to youth justice but also reinforces a shared commitment to creating lasting positive change in the community. A special thank you to the CBO Alliance for bringing the Riverside County CBOs together for this special event.
Voices of Youth Justice: Through Postcards, Youth Express Their Need to Be Heard
OYCR’s Ombudsperson Division is amplifying the voices of young people in juvenile justice facilities. Through postcards created in partnership with Human Rights Watch and other organizations, youth who are currently systems-involved shared their hopes for change, highlighting a need for better educational and recreational opportunities, improved food, and meaningful recognition of their voices. While the Ombudsperson does not mandate changes, their collaborative efforts with probation departments have already led to tangible improvements, like new educational programs and revised policies. This work underscores the transformative power of listening to youth and prioritizing their growth and healing.
Read the full blog to learn more about the Division’s work and how to connect with them.
News and Updates
Partners awarded to engage in Transform Youth Justice’s (TYJ) Community-Based Organization (CBO) Capacity Building Initiative.
The Center at Sierra Health Foundation and the State of California’s Office of Youth and Community Restoration announced that eight partners will be awarded $500,000 each to engage in Transform Youth Justice’s (TYJ) Community-Based Organization (CBO) Capacity Building Initiative.
These eight funded partners will work to improve the health, social and intergenerational life course outcomes of youth who are involved in punitive legal systems. Their work will span across 26 months and will expand their capacity to meet the social determinants of health needs. Technical assistance is provided by National Center for Youth Law, Public Works Alliance and The Center, and through learning community opportunities. These funded partner organizations will also be encouraged to develop or strengthen diversion programs to advance health and racial equity.
The Board of State and Community Corrections approves the release of Grant Funding
On November 21, 2024, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) approved the release of more than $108 million in grant funding for the fourth cohort of community-based organizations (CBOs) through the Adult Reentry Grant (ARG). The ARG supports CBOs in providing vital services such as warm handoffs, reentry assistance, and rental support for individuals recently released from state prison. Interested organizations may apply to receive a maximum of $4.5 million over a 42-month grant period.
The Board of State and Community Corrections announced the release of a Request for Proposals as part of the third wave of grant funds to be distributed under the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People grant.
On November 22, 2024, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) as part of the third wave of grant funds to be distributed under the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) grant. Developed with input from members of California’s tribal communities, this grant program will support the development of anti-human trafficking campaigns, mental health services, substance-use disorder treatment, and the reunification of indigenous runaway and foster youth with their families.
Alameda County Probation Department Announces Paid Professional Development Fellowship Opportunity for Youth Providers
On December 6, 2024, the Alameda County Probation Department announced a newly sponsored fellowship opportunity for community-based organizations serving justice-involved and at-promise youth in Alameda County. Organizations selected to attend the Elevate Academy for Youth Providers will receive $1,200 to complete 8 collaborative learning sessions, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the network of youth services in Alameda County. Spanning from January through May, the Academy will train fellows on the use of evidence-based practices, enhancing program capacities, and building collaborative partnerships with the Alameda County Probation Department and other youth-serving providers.
Former youth prison in Chino eyed for homes, shops and urban farming
Chino is taking the first steps to transform a former juvenile prison into a useful community space after a recent state Senate bill paved the way for the city’s acquisition of the property.
In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 536, co-authored by Sen. Susan Rubio’s and Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, which allows Chino to acquire surplus state property located within its territory and redevelop it for community-oriented uses.
“Imagine the former youth correctional facility housing a place that gives children the opportunity to learn about urban agriculture, sustainability, and self-reliance and develop an appreciation for farming and the outdoors from local agricultural instructors and mentors,” Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa said in the senator’s news release. “SB 536 opens the door to engaging the community in reimagining this important site into something that provides hope and reflects the region’s past and bright future.”
Partner Highlight
Hoops 4 Justice
Hoops 4 Justice (H4J) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and underserved youth of color by providing life skills training through sports and a credible messenger model. Through Hoops 4 Justice, young people are not only given the tools for personal growth, but also the opportunity to create a lasting, positive change in their communities.
The organization’s impact was clearly seen at our recent California Youth Justice Summit, where two of H4J’s leaders—Lead Case Manager/Youth Development Expert Swey Pineda and Co-Founder and Executive Director Ronnie Villeda (pictured L to R)—served as emcees, bringing their passion and commitment to the event. After their sentences in youth detention, both individuals turned to advocacy and mentorship.
To learn more about Hoops 4 Justiceand their impactful work, visit their website.
Upcoming Events
OYCR Youth Justice Action Webinar Series
Monday, December 16 from Noon to 2 PM
This webinar will explore the eligibility criteria and process for employment-related benefits for youth with disabilities who are also court-involved and highlight an employment initiative in partnership between OYCR and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).
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