November is the time of year for reflection, rest and gratitude. In the youth justice arena it is a good time to look at the gains that have been made to better respond to the needs of our adolescents who enter the youth justice system.
California has begun that process by moving youthful offenders close to home, to their own communities, with a focus on family engagement and connection. Research shows that connection and community are vital to one’s mental health. A sense of belonging and purpose are key resilience factors. For more information about how the field has moved forward to serve youth in the youth justice system please read our SB 823: 2025 DJJ Realignment Report or
What you will find in the report is that system partnerships across the state have worked to build and adapt local infrastructure, formulate partnerships, and center youth and families along the justice continuum. OYCR has been proud to walk alongside them every step of the way providing technical assistance, grants, and to have hired staff with expertise in a variety of critical areas to lead state policy into the next five years of reform. The early phases of implementation have been shaped by learning and adapting, as many counties continue to face challenges in building out the infrastructure needed to fully support youth in secure treatment facilities and less restrictive programs.
However, we see progress, and more importantly, we see commitment across the state that we know will continue to move this work forward. What unites us is a belief in the Positive Development approach, and the belief that adolescents deserve the opportunity to thrive in environments that are designed for restoration and promote successful adulthood.
We at OYCR are tremendously grateful to the youth who advise us from our Youth Advisory Board, to our local and state government stakeholders, to the numerous community-based organizations, and to all of you who believe in the power and the resiliency of the human spirit and who tirelessly endeavor to improve youth justice in California. Thank you.
Judge Katherine Lucero (ret.) Director
Office of Youth and Community Restoration California Health & Human Services Agency
Voices of Youth Justice
For Youth Who Are Incarcerated, Staying Connected to Family Matters
“Carlos Cervantes still remembers what it felt like to be a teenager in a cell, navigating the justice system as a young person. At 16, he was incarcerated at a time when visiting with family usually came with metal detectors, shackles, or speaking through a pane of glass...”
Strong family connections make a real difference for youth involved in the justice system. The Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s Family Engagement Services pilot program, funded by a grant from OYCR, helps families overcome barriers to visitation while providing support for reentry planning, meals, lodging, and meaningful time to reconnect.
Read the blog to see how keeping youth connected to family not only heals relationships but strengthens rehabilitation and builds a justice system rooted in community.
News and Updates
Youth Success Story
OYCR and Imperial County Probation are collaborating on an LRP placement for a young person that has demonstrated incredible success. The young person is about to receive their 3rd associates degree in December and presently furloughs to a local gym, where they work managing the facility. This young person has aspirations to continue their education in the field of Kinesiology while also working to become a fire fighter. When we provide the right supports and opportunities, we know our young people can achieve positive outcomes and become thriving members of our communities.
Native Youth in CalforniaYouth Justice
The California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of tribal children and families—core functions of tribal governance and the very essence of tribal sovereignty.
The report, Native Youth in California’s Youth Justice System: What Do We Know?, which was authored by CTFC and funded by OYCR, highlights how the child welfare system includes Native-specific protections designed to address disproportionality—safeguards that are often absent in the youth justice system. In child welfare, tribal nations play an active role in state court proceedings, and county agencies must collaborate with tribes to provide culturally grounded services that strengthen identity and connection.
In contrast, within the youth justice system, tribal involvement has been minimal. Many Native youths move through the system without connection to their tribe, while counties lack consistent methods to identify Native youth—or even a shared definition of who qualifies as such. This gap obscures the true scope of Native youth impacted by the system.
Further, tribes face barriers to funding and limited opportunities to adjudicate or support their youth due to inequitable access to justice resources. Addressing these challenges requires partnership, awareness, and a steadfast commitment to honoring tribal sovereignty.
To learn more check out the OYCR Webinar - Tribal Youth Navigating Youth Justice-Bridging Justice Systems and Tribal communities. This webinar explores the responsibilities of youth justice systems to identify and honor tribal affiliation early in the process, highlighting best practices and tools to uphold the rights of Native youth, their families, and tribes.
Together, we can ensure every Native young person is seen, heard, and supported—rooted in their culture, guided by justice, and strengthened by community.
Webinars, Meetings & Events
Youth Justice Action Webinar Series
Youth Justice Action Webinar Series: Transforming Systems and Supporting Youth- Insights on Diversion from LA County Department of Youth Development
Leaders from the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development (DYD) will provide an overview of the department’s origins, programs, and impact, while highlighting DYD’s diversion work and how it has evolved over time, in order to deepen understanding of effective youth development strategies and their role in shaping system change. Eligible for 1.5 Hours of General MCLE Credit in CA.
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 Time: 11:00 - Noon PST
Cash for College | Supporting Systems-Impacted Students
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is hosting a statewide Cash for College webinar designed to support students applying for the 2026–27 FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application. They are specifically aligning this opportunity for justice-impacted students.
The next meeting of the CWC Youth Justice Committee (YJC) will take place on Wednesday, December 3 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. This meeting will be held in-person at 925 L St Sacramento, CA 95814, Suite 1275, as well as virtually on zoom. The agenda and materials can be found on the CWC YJC webpage.
Joven Noble Con Palabra Curriculum Certification Training
December 2-4, 2025
Joven Noble Con Palabra is comprehensive evidence based, youth leadership development program that supports and guides youth through their "rites of passage" process. This training is for individuals who are currently supporting youth who are at risk of incarceration and have been or are currently being impacted by the juvenile system. Must attend all 3 days to receive a certificate and the training is free.
2025 4th Annual Rural ACEs Summit, “It Takes a Village”
December 9-10, 2025 in Redding, California
The Office of Youth and Community Restoration is one of the proud sponsors for this event, which will bring together champions from the North State including change makers, partners, practitioners, and community members to share insights, discuss challenges and collaborative opportunities to address the eco system of care that supports youth and families. The Summit will focus on strengthening behavioral health and justice systems for youth through cross sector learning.
Registration is available now and there are a limited number of scholarships available.
State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Meeting
December 17, 2025
California’s State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (SACJJDP) is made up of Governor-appointed subject matter experts who are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all youth in California. The committee is focused on serving the Governor, the Legislature and the people of California by promoting effective juvenile justice policies and programming in compliance with goals set forth in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. More information about the committee, including meeting materials, can be found on our website.
Join us for the next quarterly meeting of the State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (SACJJDP).
