Hello Friends and Champions of Youth Justice Transformation in California, On March 5, 2025, the Stepping Home Model developed by the Youth Justice Committee of the California Child Welfare Council (CWC) in collaboration with UCLA and OYCR was adopted by the CWC at their quarterly meeting. Key elements of the model include that Secure Youth Treatment Facilities (SYTFs) and Less Restrictive Programs (LRPs) must protect youth from harm and abuse by promoting cultures and environments of dignity and respect; trauma informed and therapeutic interventions by qualified personnel; an individual care plan developed by professionals, the youth and their family; Restorative Justice programming including victim awareness and personal insight; peer support and credible messenger mentoring; positive development programming; and robust reentry planning.
As of December 30, 2024, OYCR learned that 270 youth have been placed in an LRP from an SYTF placement since we began our data collection pursuant to AB102, which comprises the total from the last three fiscal years, FY21/22, FY 22/23, and FY 23/24. OYCR has provided grant funding to eleven counties to create a continuum of care for stepping youth home. So far that grant has made it possible for 20 youth to step down into the community and 12 youth to be in the pipeline for community steps downs. OCYR has also provided both funding and Technical Assistance to community created residential Less Restrictive Programs designed and sometimes run by teams of Credible Messengers, and others with lived experience in the Youth Homeless and Foster Youth systems. Learn more about the OYCR Stepping Home Model.
We look forward to continuing to partner with Probation Departments, Community Based Organizations, our Behavioral Health Partners, Rising Scholars, Project Rebound, and our workforce development partners to ensure that once the youth is stepped home, that they are able to fulfill their dreams towards a successful adulthood while at the same time making our communities safer for everyone.
Judge Katherine Lucero (ret.) Director
Office of Youth and Community Restoration California Health & Human Services Agency
Voices of Youth Justice: Collaboration is Key for Youth Healing and Accountability
“The success of youth treatment and justice system reform hinges on open dialogue and a willingness to work collaboratively." — LaRon Dennis In our latest Voices of Youth Justice blog, OYCR research consultant LaRon Dennis reflects on her multi-faceted career in the youth justice system and the vital role collaboration plays in youth healing and accountability. From cross-discipline training to transparent dialogue during key moments like rehabilitation plan reviews, LaRon highlights how teamwork among stakeholders can drive meaningful reform. Read the full piece to learn how collective efforts create safer communities and brighter futures for youth.
Explore OYCR’s Educational Health Resources
Educational health — the knowledge, skills, and opportunities a youth needs to succeed academically, socially, and developmentally — is just as vital as physical or mental health. As part of its commitment to advancing youth justice, OYCR has curated the most comprehensive collection of resources for juvenile court schools in California. Explore tools, research, and best practices designed to support the educational well-being of youth, organized by county.
News and Updates
Less Restrictive Programs Update
OYCR is proud to support the establishment of Less Restrictive Programs (LRPs) across California, including the groundbreaking Rise Up House in Solano County, funded through OYCR grants. This initiative, a collaboration between Solano County Probation and Alternative Restorative Communities (ARC), provides young people transitioning from Secure Youth Treatment Facilities (SYTFs) with a structured, supportive living environment. With $1.4 million in OYCR funding over two years, Rise Up House helps youth reintegrate into their communities by offering skill training, education, and employment support while emphasizing healing and accountability. Through targeted mentorship and community-driven programming, the project demonstrates how LRPs can offer a meaningful alternative to traditional justice approaches. By investing in innovative strategies like Rise Up House, OYCR continues to champion youth rehabilitation and long-term success beyond confinement. Learn more about the transformative impact of this initiative by watching The Rise Up House: An ARC Uncuffed Documentaryhere and Xaviar's Story: From Chains to Chartshere.
CBO Alliance Townhall in Riverside County
On February 20, 2025, the CBO Alliance hosted its inaugural Townhall Meeting at the Villegas Park in Riverside County. The meeting marks an important milestone, bringing both system and community stakeholders together to learn about the important work being done to transform youth justice in Riverside County.
The event featured esteemed speakers including County Supervisor V Manuel Perez, Chief Wright of Riverside Probation, Yumari Martinez from Catalyze Justice, Dr. Diana Quintana from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Scott MacDonald with OYCR, and many other esteemed speakers. The keynotes shared much of the transformative Juvenile Justice work being done at the national, state, and local level.
The townhall provided an opportunity to network and facilitate discussion centered on advancing youth justice initiatives, building upon the progress that has been made in Riverside County over the past year.
This event underscores the CBO Alliance and Riverside Probation’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the county and community leaders to support system-impacted youth.
EMS Corps Expands to 11 New Sites Across California!
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Corps is rooted in the belief that the most competent healers and lifesavers in our communities are those who have overcome struggle. Through this belief, they have developed a national program that not only addresses the crisis-level shortage of EMS workers throughout the nation but also creates career pathways for young people who have historically been underrepresented in the healthcare workforce.
The EMS Corps program model offers a rigorous 5-month EMT training program that includes robust wraparound supports including a monthly stipend, mentorship/coaching opportunities, job placement services, and post-program support. Nationally, the program has supported over 500 graduates now working in the health and public safety sector that reflects and cares for the community they serve.
This year marks a major milestone as the EMS Corps expands into 11 new sites across California and are actively accepting applications for their 1st cohorts! In addition to the programs currently available in Alameda and San Francisco County. Young people aged 18-26 are encouraged to apply to this amazing program regardless of their background! Please visit www.emscorps.org to learn more.
Governor Newsom announces statewide plan for economic growth, $245 million for more jobs — with additional investment for LA's recovery
Governor Newsom recently released the newCalifornia Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a statewide plan built with input from 13 regional plans to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade. The Blueprint is paired with $125 million in funding to support new, ready-to-go projects, $15 million for economic development projects for California Native American tribes, $13 million to support the economic recovery and small businesses in the Los Angeles region, and $92 million in funding for new apprenticeship and jobs programs. The unveiling comes alongside the announcement of more than $245 million in investments to help support workers statewide, including additional investment in LA to bolster the region’s ongoing economic recovery from wildfires.
More information about the California Jobs First and the Economic Blueprint can be found here. For ongoing updates, follow California Jobs First on LinkedIn and X.
Lived Experience Community Advisory Board (CAB) at The University of Cincinnati Corrections (UCCI)
The University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute (UCCI) is seeking to form a Lived Experience Community Advisory Board (CAB) to help guide the training and technical assistance plans for the California Juvenile Justice Toolkit. The toolkit, made possible by the California Office of Youth and Community Restoration and the Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health, can assist California counties with selecting and implementing evidence-based and emerging programs and practices to serve youth in the justice system. If you or a family member have been involved in the juvenile justice system (youth or adults) or you represent or advocate for those who with involvement, please consider applying to join the CAB and amplify the voices of people who have first-hand experience with the juvenile justice system. The flyer outlines the details of the commitment, but CAB membership will start in April 2025, with an anticipated workload of (2) 90-minute meetings. The first meeting will be scheduled in April 2025, and the second meeting will be scheduled in September 2025. CAB members will be compensated for their time. Individuals interested in learning more about the CAB can contact the UCCI team at JJToolkit@uc.edu.
Upcoming Webinars, Meetings & Events
OYCR Youth Justice Action Webinar Series
Tuesday, March 18th from Noon to 2 PM PST
This webinar will cover key elements of the Stepping Home Model, a framework of best practices designed to support the well-being of justice-involved youth transitioning from Secure Youth Treatment Facilities to Less Restrictive Programs..
Raising the Future is a free transformative community event in Riverside County aimed at connecting young people with resources and creative pro-social activities, that inspire growth, resilience, and purpose. The event includes keynote speakers, opportunities to connect with community resources, and impactful workshops for both youth and adults that cover a variety of topics including finding your voice, parenting in the modern era, and developing the leader within you.
Raising the Future will take place on Saturday, March 22nd from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Riverside Community College (RCC).
OYCR office hours for 2025 Juvenile Justice Realignment Block Grant (JJRBG) plan submissions
JJRBG plan submissions are due on May 1st, 2025. To ensure counties have the opportunity to ask questions, OYCR is hosting office hours during the following dates and times: • March 27 (Thursday): 11:00 - Noon PDT For any questions about office hours, please reach out to OYCRCounties@chhs.ca.gov.
Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium – Learn, Connect, and Innovate in San Diego!
June 18-20, 2005
The Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium will provide unique opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the nationwide momentum improving outcomes for children, families, and communities through enhanced youth justice system approaches and practices. Hosted by the Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice, this engaging 2.5-day event is designed to empower multi-disciplinary professionals and youth-serving stakeholders committed to advancing effective and innovative system change. Plenaries, workshops, and interactive sessions will spotlight research-informed and evidence-based reforms that are measurable, sustainable, and replicable in any community. With an emphasis on peer learning and dynamic interaction, attendees will network with distinguished experts, prominent state and local leaders, and colleagues who have championed innovative policy and practice changes. The event will also amplify the voices of advocates with lived experience and showcase emerging leaders driving change in youth justice..
