Last month, we took the youth justice community-based organization capacity building, with CalHHS Behavioral Health reforms, on the road.
OYCR held a Serving Justice Involved Youth with California Health Initiatives – Workshop for Los Angeles CBOs. It was well attended with a myriad of organizations represented by the 31 participants. The event was held at Chuco’s Youth Justice Center in South Central Los Angeles.
Chuco’s Youth Justice Center is a community center which was once a Juvenile Courthouse. The entire property has been repurposed as a community space with restorative justice programs, a charter school, job training, a garden, art projects, a full kitchen, a pantry for those who need food, and daily programming and space where youth and families can find healing and compassion. We are so grateful to community partners like the Youth Justice Coalition and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition for bringing so many organizations together to work on our common goals of serving justice involved youth in their communities and by their communities.
Judge Katherine Lucero (ret.) Director
Office of Youth and Community Restoration California Health and Human Services Agency
California Youth Justice Summit The Village: Connecting Youth Justice with Community-Centered Responses
November 5-6, 2024 at Hyatt Regency Orange County
The California Youth Justice Summit will bring together Juvenile Justice system partners for a day and a half of relationship building, learning from one another, report out the status of Juvenile Justice in California, and envision where we are going together. Come away with a sense of learning, having met new friends and a commitment to further systems improvement and the implementation of the Positive Youth Justice Model.
Early bird registration is open until October 14, 2024
Full summit registration includes one continental breakfast, lunch, refreshment breaks, and admission to all plenary sessions, workshops, and summit materials
OYCR will honor and recognize exceptional individuals who have made a significant positive contribution to the California youth justice field. Specifically, award nominations should highlight those who have been working in the youth justice
reform arena for numerous years and who continue to champion youth justice post SB 823 realignment. We are accepting nominations in four award categories:
2024 Community Based Organization Youth Justice Champion Award
2024 Visionary Probation Chief Award
2024 Visionary Probation Team Member Award
2024 Outstanding Youth Justice Advocate Award
The awards will be presented during our inaugural Youth Justice Summit.
News and Partner Highlights
Fostering Resilience Workforce Program
In Solano County, applications are open for the Fostering Resilience Workforce Program, which supports youth and young adults aged 16 to 35 who face barriers to graduating, finding employment, or launching a career. Through holistic case management, training scholarships, educational programs, and supportive services, help young adults develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success in a 21st-century educational or workplace setting. The program specifically advances the economic empowerment of Black and other people of color by providing access to essential resources and support. Apply now at the Center for Urban Excellence!
FREE Workforce Development Symposium
The Health Education Council is hosting the Workforce Development Symposium on September 13 in Sacramento, California to tackle the most pressing issues related to drivers of health. This includes employment and workplace readiness from a neighborhood and data driven solutions focus. Leaders in the business, non-profit, government, and faith communities are invited to attend.
Exciting New Initiative to Reentry Population in Sacramento County
NextGen Policy's new program is a grant-funded initiative from the Employment Development Department targeting justice-involved young adults (ages 18-28) in Sacramento County, designed to connect them to new career opportunities and secure meaningful employment in high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and healthcare.
Their goal is to provide young adults with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to build successful and fulfilling careers. They are actively seeking support from individuals and organizations committed to ending mass incarceration and promoting economic mobility for formerly and currently incarcerated individuals. NextGen would appreciate assistance in recruiting eligible program participants in Sacramento County and facilitating connections to local fair chance employers that offer access to living-wage career opportunities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Justice Involved Youth
Thanks to the collaborative efforts between Monterey County Probation, the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and OYCR, a youth is well on his way to achieving his career goal of becoming a licensed barber. Through the partnership, the youth was connected with DOR for vocational services. Working with his DOR counselor, he has developed his Individualized Plan for Employment, identifying his career aspirations and the resource that would be needed to reach his goals. DOR has supported the youth by providing tuition for the barber program, laptop, clothing, clippers, cleaning supplies, and other supplies needed to be a successful barber. Monterey Probation continues to provide support with transportation to the barber school and work as part of their furlough program. The youth is excited to be able to participate in the barber program and is well on his way to attaining his barber’s license. This is just one great example of how DOR is supporting youth in reaching their employment goals and we look forward to the future success of many more youth to come with our Youth Employment Initiative!
Upcoming Events
California Juvenile and Family Judiciary Trainings on Substance Use Disorders: Session Two
September 25 at 11 AM to 12 PM
All Rise's Treatment Court Institute is bringing world-class training on substance use disorder to juvenile and family judiciary. This training is presented in partnership with OYCR and supported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
This training is offered virtually and open to both newcomers to the field and seasoned professionals. Whether you work with a dependency, juvenile, or family court, this program is for you! Reserve your spot now.
OYCR Youth Justice Action Webinar Series
October 7 at 12 to 2 PM
Save the date for the next OYCR Youth Justice Action Webinar Series, which brings together youth justice stakeholders to explore the latest practices, trends, and research in the juvenile justice field. Our goal is to support positive outcomes for children, families, youth, and communities by promoting a behavioral health approach to youth justice.
The topic and speakers will soon be announced, but for now, we invite you to mark your calendars and register for the webinar.
Also, 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.
