Our hearts are with those impacted by the wildfires in southern California and we are sending our strength to the many partners who are responding to this unprecedented crisis. Our team is working closely with both community and government partners to ensure youth impacted by the fires have what they need to stay safe, and to be in contact with their families. OYCR and the Ombud’s Division will continue to be available to share information, respond to youth and family inquiries and to support County partners in any way that we can.
I want to remind our friends and neighbors in southern California, that help is available. Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:
If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
While the start of 2025 has brought us this tragic event, it promises to be a year of recovery and progress. At OYCR we are refining the projects and initiatives launched over the last two years. The OYCR children and youth justice strategies are building a solid foundation to ensure the success of State’s closure of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the return of justice impacted children and youth back to their home counties, closer to family, and to their communities.
As we continue to dig deep into the equity focused systems change work, we look forward to the evaluation of these programs that will come out of our grants to the counties and community-based organizations, to see if our initiatives reap positive outcomes. We believe they will-- as they are rooted in positive youth develop, restorative justice, building individual competency, and healing. Thanks to all our county and community partners, and to the youth who have helped us shape the trajectory of OYCR and who continue to believe in the power and resilience of both our youth and in our communities.
Judge Katherine Lucero (ret.) Director
Office of Youth and Community Restoration California Health & Human Services Agency
Youth Voices at the California Youth Justice Summit
“We're not doing this for the money, we're not doing this for recognition. We're doing this because the youth are really the future of this country. Look at everything that's going on right now...who do you choose to be? What role do you choose to play in rewriting history?” –– Juan Gamez, Youth Advisory Board Member
We're still energized by the powerful conversations and collaborations that took place in early November at our first-ever California Youth Justice Summit. The event brought together voices from across the state, including young people directly impacted by the justice system, such as Juan Gamez. As a member of OYCR’s Youth Advisory Board, Juan co-led the Youth Voice session track, joining others in their commitment to a restorative approach to youth justice.
The Summit serves as a powerful reminder that our collective efforts are not about recognition or checking boxes but about making meaningful investments in the future of our youth by reforming systems and programs through restorative practices. It underscored the importance of supporting these young people in their journey to heal, succeed, and lead, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive both now and in the future.
Stay connected as we continue to reflect on the event and share inspiring stories, insights, and highlights on social media via Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and/or X.
YAB at the OJJDP National Conference
In November 2024, members of OYCR’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) attended the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) National Conference, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Bryan Stevenson’s keynote emphasized the principle of “proximity,” the need to engage closely with marginalized and incarcerated youth.
For YAB members, the conference was not only an opportunity to share their voices but also a space for others to learn directly from their lived experiences. Their inclusion underscored the vital role of centering youth impacted by the justice system in driving meaningful change.
Look out for more about the OYCR YAB and its members in coming weeks.
News and Updates
Youth@Work Elevate Program in Los Angeles County
Find your path and elevate your career! The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) of Los Angeles County has started a new program called the Youth@Work Elevate program that seeks to help youth explore career pathways in high-growth industries while receiving paid work experience, training, and mentoring.
The Youth@Work Elevate program is now accepting interest forms at lacdeo.jotform.com. Once the interest form has been submitted, DEO will notify interested youth of eligibility and application open dates.
Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion, and Development (CITED) Round 4 Application
DHCS recently opened the PATH CITED Round 4 application window. The PATH CITED initiative provides funding to build the capacity and infrastructure of on-the-ground partners, including community-based organizations, hospitals, county agencies, Tribes, and others, to successfully participate in Medi-Cal. Nearly $158 million is available for Round 4. The deadline to apply for PATH CITED Round 4 funding is 11:59 p.m. PST on March 7, 2025. The guidance document and application can be found by visiting the PATH CITED webpage. Please submit questions to cited@ca-path.com.
Behavioral Health Scholarship Program
The Behavioral Health Scholarship Program provides scholarships for students seeking to become behavioral health practitioners through a certificate, associate, bachelor, master, and/or doctoral degree program in exchange for a 12-month service obligation providing direct care in an underserved community. The application opens on January 2, 2025, and closes on February 13, 2025.
Youth Employment Initiative: Request for Proposals
Amity Foundation has just released Request for Proposals (RFP) for community-based organizations interested in providing services to youth with disabilities. Amity Foundation is working in collaboration with OYCR, the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), county Offices of Education, and Probation Departments.
Together, we are inviting community-based organizations to apply for funding to provide young people who are justice-involved, particularly those with disabilities, with the tools, resources, and support necessary for successful reintegration into the community through meaningful employment opportunities. Amity Foundation is currently requesting applications from organizations serving the following counties: Imperial, Kern, Riverside, and San Mateo.
Please note that applications are due January 29, 2025 and the last day to submit questions is January 22, 2025. There will be optional application webinars to review the RFP and answer questions.
Upcoming Webinars and Events
Coverage Ambassador Webinar Series: Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative and Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Update
Monday, January 30th from 11 to 11:45 am
DHCS will host a Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative and Children Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) update (advanced registration required) as part of the Coverage Ambassador webinar series. This session will provide detailed information on justice-involved individuals who are now, or have spent time, in jails, youth correctional facilities, or prisons and who are at higher risk for poor health outcomes, injury, and death than the public. The session will also focus on significant steps California is taking to improve poor health outcomes for individuals as they prepare to reenter their communities by working to ensure they have continuity of coverage upon their release. Additionally, Coverage Ambassadors will learn how early childhood wraparound services will be expanded through the CYBHI, which will provide mental health services to children, youth, and families.
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). Please note: if you registered for December, you should register again for the new date.
DHCS collaborates with communities across the state to promote harm reduction and low-barrier, patient-centered care within California’s substance use disorder treatment system. DHCS encourages substance use disorder treatment providers and staff (including social workers, peers, front desk staff, case managers, nurses, physicians, and all staff in substance use disorder treatment settings) to attend and learn about best practices to incorporate the tenets of harm reduction into substance use disorder treatment. Summits will be held in Fresno County (January 23), San Diego County (February 11), and Los Angeles County (February 27).
