Voices of Youth Justice: Through Postcards, Youth Express Their Need To Be Heard
Voices of Youth Justice: Through Postcards, Youth Express Their Need To Be Heard
The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) Ombudsperson Division was established by law in 2021 to independently and impartially investigate and attempt to resolve complaints about violations of rights or harmful practices in juvenile justice facilities. In 2024, the passage of Assembly Bill 505 allowed the Ombudsperson Division staff to more intentionally fulfill their duties to support youth who are currently in a juvenile justice facility through immediate access to youth, facilities, and records, community involvement, and more.
In partnership with Human Rights Watch, Anti Recidivism Coalition, and Young Women’s Freedom Center, youth who are currently in juvenile facilities were able to share their hopes for the Ombudsperson Division through postcards. We are sharing anonymized and high-level insights to highlight the voices of youth who are currently systems-involved and their vision for support.
“We all mess up, but we are all still human, never perfect.”
This postcard message is among the dozens that youth in California have shared with the Ombudsperson Division. This line from a young person currently incarcerated is a reminder of the value of all of California’s young people. While each message shared on these postcards was different, they expressed common themes and desires — for engaging educational and recreational programming, quality food, and to feel like their voices really matter.
When youth submit complaints, the Office does what they can do to help resolve them. The Ombudsperson Division
When probation departments take action based on feedback, tangible improvements happen. In counties across California, there have been positive changes for youth, because we listened to youth. For instance, one county probation department introduced a college preparatory program in response to a desire for more educational opportunities. Another modified its search policy relating to youth leaving the facility on educational furloughs.
The Ombudsperson Division is a new resource in the youth justice system, for which communities have long advocated. Born out of SB 823, this state-level office is able to hear directly from youth about their care in local jurisdictions. It offers youth, as well as their families, attorneys, and mental health providers, a neutral party to hear them and to help find resolution where possible.
Meeting with youth one-on-one and providing a listening ear is a key function of the Ombudsperson — and what Alisa Hartz, the current OYCR Ombudsperson, values most about her job. Many of these young people who are currently in custody have experienced profound adversity and have demonstrated inspiring resilience. When we listen to them, they show us how we can better support them to grow and heal.
As another youth shared, “please put yourself in my shoes and treat this position with care. An Ombudsperson is really needed inside and out.”
The Ombudsperson Division approaches their work with the utmost intention and care, collaborating with other system partners to find solutions to youth problems whenever possible. The work of the Ombudsperson Division will continue to prioritize youth and their health and healing because this work matters — for our youth and our communities.
Learn more about the Ombudsperson Division and how to reach them at oycr.ca.gov/ombudsperson.