OYCR held the first-ever California Youth Justice Summit November 5-6 in Anaheim. We had 413 people register, and 390 people check in and attend the Summit. Those I spoke to, who represented all facets of the youth justice system, said that it was an educational and inspirational two days. Formal evaluations are forthcoming. OYCR is proud that we were able to bring together government partners, community partners and lots and lots of youth who are or had been justice impacted, to share with one another. We hope to continue a tradition of convenings like this in the future. Collaborative leadership is the cornerstone of a healthy youth justice system. We cannot break down silos if we continue to learn, train, and network only in our government and community. Getting into rooms and into discussions with an open mind and an open heart can be transformative for all of us. Each role is needed in this youth justice work: Judges, DAs, Public Defenders, Probation Officers, Mental Health Practitioners, Educators, Social Workers, Youth, Families, and Communities. We each carry a piece of the solution. Bringing the village together, building up the diversity of the voices at the table, and being willing to pivot when necessary-- is all of us at our very best working towards the common goal of seeing that youth are held accountable in a developmentally appropriate manner, while restoring them to health and healing which equates to safer communities.
Judge Katherine Lucero (ret.) Director
Office of Youth and Community Restoration California Health & Human Services Agency
Reflecting on the Launch of OYCR’s Youth Advisory Board
On October 5, 2024, we celebrated the official launch of the OYCR Youth Advisory Board (YAB) at a meaningful event hosted by the Sierra Health Foundation. This occasion not only marks the beginning of an important initiative but also embodies the commitment of young individuals to actively influence California’s policies. The Board’s Mission, Goals, Advocacy Strategies, and Oath of Office were thoughtfully crafted and unveiled by its members last month, reflecting their insights and lived experiences. This collaborative effort signifies the start of a transformational partnership between OYCR and youth who have navigated the justice system, paving the way for a future shaped by their voices and perspectives.
The members of YAB will be introduced to the community over the coming months.
CalAIM Convening – San Bernardino County
In October, Community Based Organizations (CBO) across San Bernardino County gathered for an insightful convening to learn about the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative. Over 16 CBOs were in attendance to learn about new more sustainable funding opportunities through Medi-Cal and how organizations serving justice impacted youth can be reimbursed for the work many are already doing. The event highlights a collective commitment to better serve our youth and emphasized the power of collaboration to drive positive change. A special thank you to our partners at the Public Works Alliance, Operation New Hope, and San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board for making this event possible.
News and Partner Highlights
SF Youth Groups Advocate for More Protections from Police
Youth advocates in San Francisco are pushing for stronger protections for minors in police custody, particularly calling for reduced use of handcuffs and more trauma-informed practices. A draft policy updating the 2008 guidelines offers some improvements, but groups argue it doesn't go far enough to align with best practices and state law.
Their firsthand experiences provide vital insights into the challenges faced by young people in the justice system, highlighting the urgent need for reform. By speaking up, youth challenge systemic issues and advocate for policies that better reflect their realities. Listening to their voices is essential, as it empowers them to shape the future of justice, ensuring that it is equitable, respectful, and tailored to meet their unique needs.
Making It Happen for Yolo County
Make It Happen for Yolo County, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting transition-age youth, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of helping young people in foster care, mental health, and juvenile justice systems this year. Since its inception, the organization has grown significantly, providing essential household items and furniture to over 300 youth and young people this year alone. The nonprofit’s expanded outreach includes partnerships with local schools and community colleges, aiming to ensure that youth moving out on their own receive necessary support. With recent growth and the hiring of an executive director, Make It Happen for Yolo County continues to make a profound impact on its community. Learn more in the West Sacramento News Ledger.
DHCS Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative Goes Live
On October 1, DHCS launched the Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative, which is designed to provide a targeted suite of medical and mental health services for youth and adults in state prisons, county jails, and youth correctional facilities in the 90 days prior to their release, aiming to ensure a smoother transition and improving overall well-being and public health outcomes. Three counties – Inyo, Santa Clara, and Yuba – were approved as of October 1 to begin delivering Medi-Cal services to people returning to communities after incarceration. Additional counties will begin offering services in early 2025. California is the first state in the nation to receive federal approval and implement this historic initiative. For those eligible, a care manager will be assigned—either in-person or via telehealth—to establish a relationship with the individual, understand their health needs, coordinate vital services, and make a plan for community transition. The Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative is designed to help stabilize chronic and significant clinical health conditions, including mental illness and substance use disorders, and to facilitate a coordinated reentry to support smoother transitions and improve public health. Further, the Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative aims to close equity gaps and improve health outcomes for people who are or have been incarcerated. DHCS worked closely with its implementation partners, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, county jails and probation, county behavioral health and social services, Medi-Cal managed care plans, community-based providers, and Tribal partners, to launch the Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative. Correctional facilities have the flexibility to determine their go-live dates between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2026, and will be subject to a DHCS readiness review process before they can launch.
Solano County and ARC’s Rise Up House
Many systems-involved youth face significant challenges on their journey to healing and growth. Rise Up House in Solano County, an initiative of Alternative Restorative Communities (ARC) in collaboration with Solano County Probation and local courts, provides a community-based living environment for young people transitioning out of secure facilities. Through mentorship, life skills training, and personalized guidance, participants can rebuild their lives, earning their driver’s licenses, securing employment, and preparing for independence. The program’s restorative justice approach seeks to disrupt cycles of incarceration by providing a supportive path forward, demonstrating the power of collaboration and care in helping youth and young adults thrive.
Upcoming Events
OYCR Evident Change Webinar Series
This second webinar in this series will explore “Risk and Needs” assessment tools other than Juvenile Assessment and Intervention System (JAIS) and how these assessment tools and the available data can assist in making decisions and inform supervision in SYTFs. This webinar will aim to debunk myths and assumptions about this population by examining research and data on when, where, and what interventions can be most effective.
There are 3 webinars, all with the same content, offered at different dates and times.
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).
To help us improve future webinars, please take a moment to complete a brief survey about your overall experience, suggestions for future topics, and preferred scheduling.
📝Provide your feedback on the webinar series: Survey Link
