This month Director Lucero has asked the Youth Advisory Board to be the guest author of her newsletter message in celebration of their first year and in conjunction with Youth Justice Action Month.
It has officially been one year since we launched as the OYCR Youth Advisory Board (YAB), and we could not be prouder of all that has been accomplished. What began as a small workgroup, has now flourished into a statewide board with 25 members representing over 15 counties. The board has established such a strong presence not only statewide, but nationally as well. YAB members have traveled across the country to speak at various conferences to amplify youth voice. Our travels have included Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., San Diego, and we currently have travel booked to Minnesota to lead a workshop session at another conference. Right after the launch last October, the board jumped right into action and led a few workshops at the OYCR Summit in Anaheim, CA. Speaking on how to be an effective ally, the importance of youth voice, and how to shift narratives, YAB wasted no time in connecting with others and starting on their mission to build partnerships and transform systems.
Through these experiences, the YAB has been able to make impactful connections with youth, organizations, and adult allies across the entire nation. These connections have led to deeper bridge building between communities as we have been invited to speak and give presentations at numerous meetings for a variety of organizations. Within our board we have not only created a safe space for our members to share their stories, grow, and develop their leadership skills, but we have also inspired other formerly and currently incarcerated young people to do the same.
The YAB has also collaborated on a multitude of projects, the most prominent one being in collaboration with The Social Changery to produce the report titled Please Don’t Give Up on Us: Stories From Children and Youth Incarcerated in California. This report speaks to the very change that YAB is dedicated to making and also emphasizes how essential it is to shift narratives, improve policies, and center youth voice to truly change systems. As a result of this report, YAB members, alongside The Social Changery, have traveled to Los Angeles and Sacramento to help launch the report and serve as panelists for the report presentation. Our expertise is frequently called upon to have a hand in essential policy changes taking place.
There are so many moments that made this first year deeply memorable. Each of us is extremely proud of their peers and is grateful for the connection and trust they have built with one another. Our group has seamlessly come together to make such a significant impact in our communities. Our deep passion for this work naturally exudes in every space we are in and in every story we share. We are greatly appreciative of all who have uplifted their voice and supported our efforts this past year. So much has been accomplished, and we are even more excited to see what the next year holds. There are truly no limitations to what we can do!
Voices of Youth Justice
Here's What Young People and Research Tell Us About Youth Justice
In our latest blogs, Emily Gerofsky, MPH, Director of Programs at The Social Changery, weaves together youth voices and research to show why investing in young people before they enter the justice system is critical. From co-created care plans and trusted mentors to trauma-informed spaces and community partnerships, young people share what truly helps them heal, grow, and thrive.
Read the blog to learn how listening to and partnering with youth can transform the system and build stronger, safer communities.
News and Updates
California Institute of Behavioral Health Solutions – 11th EBP/CDEP Conference
The Office of Youth and Community Restoration was able to attend the 2025 CIBHS 11th Annual Evidence Based Practices/Community Defined Practices on September 25-26, in Burbank. The conference brought together practitioners to learn from experts in the field of behavioral health resources on evidence based and community defined practices to support our youth that we serve.
The participants were treated to keynote speakers activist, writer, and lecturer Angela Davis who shared her work on working in prisons and with police and author Dr. Thema Bryant who shared her work on building healthy relationships and healing trauma. OYCR was inspired by the learning that occurred and to support California's youth.
California Institution for Women celebrates first graduating class from Cal State LA
Earlier this month, Governor Newsom announced the first-ever graduating class of 22 incarcerated women at the California Institution for Women to earn a college degree through California State University, Los Angeles.
Receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, these women are an example of California’s focus to help foster rehabilitative environments for incarcerated individuals.
Students completed up to four courses per semester over the course of two years. Throughout the process, students also receive frequent individual career counseling, and leave the program equipped with a LinkedIn profile and career portfolio that prepares them to pursue their individual desired careers post incarceration. Learn more about this lifechanging opportunity.
Lake County Probation’s Resilient Re-Entry Event Aimed at Overcoming Odds
Lake County Probation Department recently hosted the 4th Annual Resilient Re-Entry Event, in partnership with the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College.
The event served as a reminder that re-entry is more than just a process—it’s a journey of resilience, perseverance, and longterm community support and safety. Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand success stories from those who have overcome challenges and worked toward a better future.
The event featured local organizations and service providers offering essential resources, including:
Job training and employment assistance
Educational opportunities
Mental health and wellness services
Housing support
Read more about this inspiring event in the story from the Lake County Record-Bee.
Voices and Vision Council Provides Pathway for Medi-Cal Members and Health Care Professionals to Shape Medi-Cal Policy
Taking a major step forward in inclusive policymaking, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) launched the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council, a first-of-its-kind advisory group that brings together Medi-Cal members, caregivers, providers, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and county partners to shape the future of Medi-Cal policies, programs, and implementation. By embedding lived experience directly into the policymaking process, the council ensures that Medi-Cal policies and programs are grounded in the real needs of the people they serve and refined through collaboration with health care experts and system leaders.
The first public meeting of the Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council will be held on March 18, 2026. For more information, including how to register for the first public meeting, please visit the Voices and Vision Council webpage.
Imperial County Probation is Empowering SYTF Youth Through Vocational Training and a Partnership with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
The Imperial County Probation Department has partnered with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) to launch a forward-thinking vocational program aimed at empowering SYTF youth detained at the Imperial County Juvenile Hall. This collaboration provides participants with real-world skills, hands-on training, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As part of the initiative, youth are taught valuable printshop skills, including designing and producing name plates for desks and doors, creating business cards, laser engraving items, and crafting decals, posters, and keychains.
In addition to print production, ICSO offers youth the opportunity to participate in its Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement Safety Team (OHVEST) program.
Learn more about how these mentorship opportunities are helping to break down barriers and eliminate the stigma between youth offenders and law enforcement.
Reports
AB 102 Report
OYCR’s 2025 AB 102 report was recently released. It contains AB 102 data submitted by counties for FY 2023-24 and compares this data to previous AB102 county data submissions (for FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23). Per the passage of AB 102 (in July 2023) counties are required to provided OYCR with specific juvenile justice data related to the realignment of the Division of Juvenile Justice.
In her message at the beginning of the report, OYCR Director Lucero states:
“This data tells us among other things, how many youth are adjudicated for 707(b) violations, how many of those youth are committed to the SYTF, and who is later stepped down to an LRP. It also tells us how many youth are subject to Transfer Hearings to Adult Criminal Court and for what law violations. This report also uses the data to assess racial disparities and net widening. It is important to know where we were and where we are, and where possible, where we are going with systems changes that can positively impact public safety and the lives of thousands of young people and their families. That is the purpose of this data and the purpose of this report. Without data change cannot be documented and lessons cannot be learned.”
OYCR’s recently released the SB 823 DJJ Realignment Report that focuses on implementation between 2020 and 2024, informed by stakeholder perspectives across the juvenile justice system, and breaks down how counties are delivering care, support, and accountability under SB 823, two years after the full closure of California’s Division of Juvenile Justice.
The report is a comprehensive look at how counties across the state are reimagining youth justice grounded in healing, accountability, and community-based care.
The report has been updated to correct a few typos. For more information about these updates, please contact OYCR.Research@chhs.ca.gov.
Webinars, Meetings & Events
OYCR Youth Justice Action Webinar Series
Why Inquiry Matters: Best Practices for Identifying Tribal Affiliation in Juvenile Justice
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | Noon to 1:00 pm PDT
This webinar focuses on the legal and ethical responsibility to inquire and investigate a youth’s possible tribal affiliation at the earliest point of contact. Participants will explore best practices and gain practical tools to ensure their work upholds the rights of Native youth their families and tribes and supports culturally responsive care.
Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Dual System Youth and the Crossover Youth Practice Model.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Noon to 1:30 PDT
We'll hear from experts at the Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform who established the model as well as a team of implementers in Orange County, including Judge Craig Arthur, Orange County Assistant District Attorney Kelly Lee, as well as staff from probation and social services. The discussion should provide deep insight on how the model operates in a real-world context. The training is 1.5 hours with General MCLE credit available. This is the final training in the Prosecutors Alliance 2025 Juvenile Docket summer series of youth trainings in partnership with OYCR. Eligible for 1.5 Hours of General MCLE Credit in CA.
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Time: 12:00-1:30pm
Funding Futures: Understanding DJJ Realignment Funding (JJRBG) and Making Youth-Centered Investments Under the New Formula
Wednesday, November 6, 2025 at 3:30 to 5:00 PST
This training will review the JJRBG and recent formula changes. It will also cover JJRBG planning requirements under WIC §§1991 and 1995, including JJCC subcommittee composition and annual county plan obligations. Participants will learn how to leverage this funding structure to advocate for youth-centered investments.
Speakers: Laura John Ridolfi & Stephen Hirsch
Eligible for 1.5 Hours of General MCLE Credit in CA.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 Time: 3:30-5:00 pm
Beyond the Bench 2025: Coming Together Again to Support Children, Families & Communities
November 17-19, 2025
Beyond the Bench is a multidisciplinary statewide conference devoted to children, youth, and families in the California court system. The first conference was held in 1988 and traditionally was a biennial event convening over 1,200 professionals. This year’s conference will be the first one since 2019. Sessions will address core legal issues in juvenile dependency and delinquency cases and crossover legal issues between juvenile and other legal areas, including domestic violence, tribal court–state court jurisdiction, mental health, and trauma-informed practice.
OYCR will present four sessions:
Please Don’t Give Up on Us: Stories from Incarcerated Youth and Children in California
Measuring Progress in County-Based Care for Realigned Youth
The OYCR Ombudsperson Division Role, and System Impact
Beyond Confinement: Advancing Youth Success Through the Stepping Home Model and Less Restrictive Programs
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 to bring together 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.
