SACRAMENTO, CA – The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) are proud to announce a three-year, $30 million joint partnership, the Youth Employment Initiative.  The program aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative interventions and services to support youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system. This groundbreaking project will focus on enabling young people who face qualifying barriers to succeed in their educational and career endeavors. 

 “This Workforce Development Project is a crucial part of OYCR’s research-backed health and healing approach to youth justice. By partnering with the Department of Rehabilitation and Amity Foundation to present a variety of education and career pathways to youth in our state, we empower the individual and benefit our communities,” said Judge Katherine Lucero (Ret.), Director of the California Office of Youth and Community Restoration. 

Project Overview: 

Research estimates that up to 60% of youth in the juvenile justice system have physical, emotional, or learning disabilities or other needs that must be addressed to support their progress in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for economic success in adulthood. To address these needs, the joint initiative will partner with nine counties, collaborating with probation and county offices of education to identify eligible youth and connect them to specialized educational and vocational services aimed at removing these barriers. 

 The Amity Foundation will design and identify these services, subcontracting to community providers in each participating county. Data from initial outcomes will be utilized throughout the demonstration to refine practices and validate approaches. The findings and proven methods will ultimately be shared across the county-based juvenile justice system to enhance support for youth statewide. 

 “All young people, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserve to go to work,” said DOR Director Joe Xavier. “Employment is a social determinate of health and essential to prevention, intervention, and recovery. DOR is excited to partner with OYCR on the Youth Employment Initiative to ensure these youth have a path out of poverty and the opportunity to experience the sense of belonging and purpose that comes from having a job.” 

Participating Counties: 

The program will serve nine counties: Contra Costa, Imperial, Kern, Lake, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Mateo, and Solano.  

Office of Youth and Community Restoration Mission:  

OYCR promotes trauma responsive, culturally informed, gender honoring, and developmentally appropriate services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system that support the youths’ successful transition into adulthood. 

Department of Rehabilitation Mission:  

The California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.